Funding to improve Canadian air quality
Canada’s Harper government is launching a second round of funding under the CAN$27.2m Shore Power Technology for Port Programme in a bid to improve air quality in and around the country’s ports.
This follows the first round of funding announced in May 2012. Under the first round, the Canadian government is contributing up to CAN$5m to the Port of Halifax to implement shore power for cruise ships. In addition, Seaspan Ferries Corporation is receiving around CAN$88,000 to install shore power at the Swartz Bay Terminal on Vancouver Island.
Denis Libel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, said: “This technology will improve local air quality by reducing air pollution from ships in some of Canada’s largest urban centres. By funding more shore power projects, our government is taking concrete action to reduce air emissions and improve the health of Canadians.”
The aim of the funding is to align Canadian regulations with those in the United States and with international standards, improving efficiency of the transportation system and advancing green technologies. This is part of the country’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 17% from 2005 levels by 2020.
Canadian port authorities and private organisations are encouraged to apply for funding by 30 September 2013.
For more information visit: www.tc.gc.ca/sptp
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