Caraquet— In communities across the country, Canadians are experiencing the impacts of climate change. By investing in initiatives that lower emissions and increase the resiliency of communities, we are creating jobs and building Canada’s low-emission energy future.
The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources and Joanne Vanderheyden, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), today announced an investment of $36,650 through FCM’s Green Municipal Fund (GMF) to the Association des anciennes, anciens, amies et amis de l’Université de Moncton, Shippagan campus (alumni and friends association) for a feasibility study on public transit in the Acadian Peninsula in New Brunswick.
Supported by the Town of Caraquet, the project will propose transit system options that could integrate various modes of transportation, while reflecting the economic, social, and environmental needs of rural communities. These modes of transportation could include shared cars, individual vehicles with volunteer drivers, active transportation, and other solutions.
The project also aims to assess the transportation demand of the population of the Acadian Peninsula. It will define and prioritize the expectations of organizations and the public regarding transit and develop a transportation plan with the related budgets. It will also define the implementation strategy for the selected business model, prepare the business plan and determine available funding sources for carrying out and implementing the public transit project.
This initiative highlights how GMF continues to build on its 20-year record of working with a variety of partners to support transformative environmental initiatives at the municipal level. The Government of Canada has invested $1.65 billion in GMF since its inception, enabling municipalities to support projects like this that leverage local resources to drive innovative solutions like expanding transportation options for rural communities.
Quotes
"Our cities and communities influence half of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. That means local action is critical. With support from the Green Municipal Fund, this is what’s happening: municipalities of all sizes are implementing smart low-carbon solutions. Empowering this local expertise is vital to meeting Canada’s climate goals. When orders of government work together to reduce emissions, we’re building more resilient communities."
– Joanne Vanderheyden, President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities
"Local green solutions create jobs, lower emissions and build a more prosperous and sustainable economy for all. This is how we get to net-zero by 2050."
- The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources
"Cities are key partners in pioneering practical climate solutions. Through the Green Municipal Fund, we’re supporting municipalities in their efforts to lower emissions through projects like energy efficient retrofits, electric and hybrid electric transit pilots and efficiencies in wastewater treatment. By working together, we can create good jobs and grow the economy, protect the environment, and build cleaner, more inclusive communities."
– The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"Canadians across the country are working hard to cut pollution and create jobs. Improvements such as this in the Acadian Peninsula will help municipalities reduce emissions and save on energy costs, ensuring cleaner air and water for our children and grandchildren."
– The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Associated links
Green Municipal Fund
Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
Investing in Canada plan project map
Contacts
Ian Cameron
Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of Natural Resources
613-447-3488
Ian.Cameron@canada.ca
FCM Media Relations
613-907-6395
media@fcm.ca
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
343-292-6100
NRCan.media.RNCan@canada.ca
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