February 15, 2007

Thank you for joining us. I am very pleased that representatives from the Quebec Trucking Association, the Railway Association of Canada, and the Air Transport Association of Canada are able to participate in today's announcement.

This morning's announcement is part of a series of programs announced over the past few days to promote clean transportation in Canada. The New Government of Canada has started to work decisively and energetically to protect the environment and the health of Canadians.

Transportation is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions as well as smog. But transportation is also key to Canada's economic prosperity. That's why we have created an EcoTransport Strategy aimed at:

• improving the health of Canadians and the environment by reducing the environmental impacts of transportation;
• securing Canada's future prosperity and competitiveness by making critical transportation infrastructure sustainable - economically and environmentally; and
• promoting an efficient transportation system that supports choice and the high quality of life that Canadians expect.

EcoTransport is part of the Government of Canada's ambitious and realistic agenda to protect our environment and the health of Canadians, and to further our economic prosperity.

Today, I launch the $61-million EcoFreight Program, aimed at reducing the environmental and health effects of freight transportation.

The first initiative under the EcoFreight Program is the National Harmonization Initiative for the Trucking Industry. We are investing up to $6 million to help remove regulatory barriers to the adoption of emissions-reducing technologies for the trucking industry.

The second initiative will provide up to $10 million for a Freight Technology Demonstration Fund. Where the harmonization initiative I've just described deals with established technologies, this second initiative seeks to demonstrate what new technologies hold the most promise.

The third initiative will allow us to invest up to $10 million in incentives for freight companies to purchase and install new and under-utilized technologies that have a proven ability to reduce emissions.

The fourth program we are announcing today will set aside up to $7 million to build a "country-to-country," "government-to-industry," and "industry-to-industry" partnership on freight transportation. For example, we will enhance our international partnerships through the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Marine Organization. We will work with carriers here in Canada through agreements on emissions reductions with industry associations.

The $22-million EcoEnergy for Fleets program encourages commercial and institutional trucking fleets to take advantage of existing and emerging technologies with a focus on driver education and energy management, and best practices.

The sixth program I am announcing today addresses a problem that occurs when goods are not moving - that is, when a ship idles in port. That's why, as part of the EcoFreight initiative, we are dedicating $6 million for a Marine Shore Power Program. Under this program, we expect to fund up to four pilot projects to demonstrate shore-based power options.

Ladies and gentlemen, taken together, these initiatives show our commitment to more fuel-efficient technologies - technologies that not only support cleaner air and a healthier environment but also a more competitive and sustainable freight transportation system.

As you know, yesterday the Prime Minister announced - together with Premier Charest - the Canada EcoTrust for Clean Air and Climate Change.

That same day, the Prime Minister was on his way here to Trois-Rivières, to highlight the work our government has done over the past year, and outline our priorities for the future.

I would like to echo the Prime Minister's message and assure you that it is a priority for Canada's New Government to work to protect and restore the quality of our environment, while improving the health of all Canadians.

Thank you.