No. H031/01
For release March 1, 2001

FUNDING ANNOUNCED FOR PROJECT IN
BRITISH COLUMBIA UNDER THE MOVING
ON SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION (MOST) PROGRAM

OTTAWA — Environment Minister David Anderson, MP (Victoria), on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, today announced the commitment of $80,000 in funding for a sustainable transportation project for British Columbia under Transport Canada's Moving On Sustainable Transportation (MOST) program.

"Fostering a more environmentally friendly transportation system in British Columbia is a priority," said Mr. Anderson. "I am pleased that the province has been given the opportunity to participate in the MOST program."

The Vancouver Island Advanced Technology Centre will receive $80,000 to produce a preliminary plan for a sustainable transportation system at the Vancouver Island Technology Park. The project will involve conducting a comprehensive analysis for implementing a sustainable transportation system to minimize vehicle traffic to the Vancouver Island Technology Park.

The MOST program fulfills a commitment made in Transport Canada's first Sustainable Development Strategy, which was tabled in Parliament in 1997. The program was launched with a total of approximately $1 million to be provided to successful project proposals over a period of three years. To date, approximately $800,000, including funding for the current projects, has been allocated to 21 initiatives aimed at encouraging sustainable transportation. Final approval for funding is subject to meeting the financial and other requirements of the program.

The MOST program assists organizations such as environmental groups, community associations, academic institutions, and business and professional associations. These groups are conducting projects and delivering concrete results in support of Transport Canada's commitment to sustainable transportation. In addition, the projects are helping to improve the public's understanding of sustainable transportation issues.

"Transport Canada is committed to fostering a sustainable transportation system, one that is safe, efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly," said Mr. Collenette. "Through the MOST program, the Government of Canada is helping to find ways to meet the transportation needs of Canadians, while helping to protect the environment for present and future generations."

Information on MOST, including an applicant's guide and project results, can be found on Transport Canada's web site at http://www.tc.gc.ca/envaffairs/most/about.shtml

Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2000 budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.

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Contact:

Catherine Higgens,
Transport Canada, Ottawa,
(613) 998-5693

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