The Government of Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) are proud to announce a new initiative to help municipalities across Canada reach significant carbon emission reduction targets. The initiative, known as Transition 2050, will fund training and support delivered by 10 partner organizations to groups of municipalities to foster deep emissions reductions.
Through Transition 2050, municipalities across Canada will work together to develop long-term plans and projects that will contribute to achieving a low carbon economy by 2050 - the year identified as a target date in the Paris Agreement. It will also contribute to carbon emissions reduction in support of the federal Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF).
Municipalities are on the front lines of climate change and are responsible for 60 per cent of the country’s transportation networks, water systems, and other public infrastructure that supports the country’s economy and quality of life. Local action is critical to reaching our national climate goals, even more so considering that up to half of Canada’s carbon emissions are under the direct or indirect influence of municipal governments. Transition 2050 partners will build a network of communities that share similar barriers to carbon reduction, and who are working toward comparable solutions. Participating municipalities will then work with their peers using innovative approaches to the challenges they face and leveraging lessons learned from each other.
For example, The Clean Foundation is partnering with six municipalities in Nova Scotia to develop strategies to overcome climate action barriers and implement municipal action plans, while Vivre en Ville will work with six Quebec municipalities to ensure greenhouse gas emission reductions are a priority in land-use planning. In Alberta, The Natural Step is developing a roadshow with five municipalities. The goal is to help the participants prepare and implement action plans to reduce emissions, while creating a framework to help overcome potential roadblocks.
Transition 2050 grants, covering funding to a maximum of $400,000 and up to 80% of eligible project costs, are provided through FCM’s Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program (MCIP) and are funded by the Government of Canada.
Quotes
The Government of Canada is committed to investing in infrastructure that reduces pollution and leads to cleaner, healthier communities for Canadians. These investments will help create new jobs in a low-carbon economy, which will strengthen the middle class. We are proud to support municipalities across Canada in their efforts to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. That’s how we will protect our communities now and in the future.
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
The effects of climate change are already being experienced in Canadian cities and communities. At the same time, municipalities influence around half of the country’s GHG emissions, making local action critical to reaching national targets. I’m proud to see our programs helping local leaders across Canada continue to work together to build capacity and develop long-term plans and projects that will lead to remarkable change.
Vicki-May Hamm, FCM President
Related information
FCM’s Transition 2050 initiative
Backgrounder
FCM’s Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program
Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
Contacts
Ann-Clara Vaillancourt
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-697-3778
ann-clara.vaillancourt@canada.ca
FCM Media Relations
(613) 907-6395
media@fcm.ca
Infrastructure Canada
Media Relations
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: infc.media.infc@canada.ca
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