Hon. Catherine McKenna
Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
Canadians are already feeling the impacts of climate change in their communities, and we’re changing the way we make decisions on our core public infrastructure as a result of climate change, including the way we think about transportation.
More than ever, the Government of Canada is prioritizing investments in innovative public transit infrastructure, and this can be seen in projects underway all over the country. Not only are these projects transforming communities by offering Canadians many more reliable, sustainable options to help them get around, they’re also helping to cut congestion and commute times so that Canadians can spend less time on the road and more time with their families.
Our goal is to encourage innovative transportation projects – such as zero-emission buses and light rail projects – that will help create low-carbon communities and make Canada a global leader in clean transportation technology.
Transportation is the second-largest source of emissions in Canada. That’s why we’re making zero-emission vehicles more affordable for Canadians and making historic investments in modern, accessible, and more sustainable public transit. Our goal is to encourage innovative transportation projects — such as zero-emission buses and light rail projects — that will help create low-carbon communities and make Canada a global leader in clean transportation technology.
And our historic Investing in Canada infrastructure plan is a big part of that, as it provides billions in federal funding for provinces’ and territories’ public transit plans.
This is real funding for important projects that will make a real difference in people’s lives — projects like the City of Guelph’s plan to replace 35 diesel buses with long-range electric buses and install on-route charging stations. This funding will also help the City of Guelph expand its transit service — giving more residents more commuting options — with the purchase of an additional 30 electric buses and a new bus storage facility, complete with charging stations.
That’s why we’re committed to working with provinces and territories to purchase 5,000 zero-emission school and transit buses over the next five years, and it’s why all new public transit funding will be zero-emission options by 2023.
I’m very proud of the fact that we have the capacity and the know-how to build a clean, resilient, and sustainable future for all of Canada — right here in Canada.
Together, we’ve launched a stable, long-term infrastructure investment plan that will have a transformational impact on Canada’s transportation landscape.
And I’m excited to help transform our communities and contribute to a cleaner and greener Canada through resilient and sustainable infrastructure.
