February 14, 2007
Toronto, Ontario

Thank you for that introduction.

Canada's New Government is playing an important role in helping to bring more efficient, environmentally-friendly and technologically advanced vehicles to the market.

That's why I am pleased to be here today to announce that our government is investing $15 million in a program we're very excited about: the ecoTechnology for Vehicles Program. Through this program, the federal government will purchase and test a range of advanced technologies and showcase them at public events across Canada. These technologies will include hydrogen, electric, hybrid technologies and fuel cell vehicles.

By raising public awareness we can also create demand for this technology. As a result, everybody - consumers, industry and the environment - will benefit. Through the ecoTechnology for Vehicles Program, we will work in collaboration with industry and other partners. We will share our results to help encourage industry leaders to develop and introduce an even broader range of environmental technologies and vehicles into Canada.

You will see here today an example of an E320 vehicle courtesy of DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes-Benz group, which highlights BLUETEC technology - the first of a new generation of clean diesel products. BLUETEC technology features various special emissions after-treatment technologies that will reduce greenhouse gas and air pollution. This allows us to harness the potential of diesel engines without increasing air pollution from vehicles.

The SMART car is an advanced technology diesel-powered car, which has greater fuel efficiency than standard gasoline-powered vehicles. It is currently an important part of our vehicle fleet at Transport Canada.

In addition to the ecoTechnology for Vehicles Program, Canada's New Government is working with the automotive industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with mandatory fuel efficiency standards by the 2011 model year.

Our new ecoEnergy for Personal Vehicles Program is dedicated to providing the best fuel consumption information and decision-making tools for vehicles currently available in the market. This includes vehicle labels, vehicle guides, interactive websites and a new "best in class" ranking system. These efforts will encourage Canadians to buy the most fuel efficient vehicle that meets their needs. In addition, this program will encourage Canadian motorists to be more energy efficient on the road.

Today, I'm pleased to announce, on behalf of my colleague, Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, that Canada's New Government is investing $21 million for this program.

Canadians have told us that they want this information. They want to know what kind of gas mileage they'll get and how environmentally friendly the vehicle is. We are listening. The ecoEnergy for Personal Vehicles Program will help Canadians make those decisions

Today's announcement is just another example of the actions that Canada's New Government is taking now to protect and improve the health of Canadians and the environment. This initiative is only one part of our ecoTransport Strategy, which will improve the health of Canadians and the environment by reducing the environmental impacts of transportation. And we'll be doing even more in the upcoming days.

You will see the results in cleaner air and water. You will feel the results in lower greenhouse gas emissions.

As you know, this week the Prime Minister announced - together with Premier Charest - the Canada ecoTrust for Clean Air and Climate Change. This program will support provincial projects that will result as well in real reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is real progress. We are seeing something truly remarkable - people are working together on behalf of our environment. People working for change.

In just a few minutes, I'm going to have the pleasure of recognizing a few of the people who are leading this change, as we hand out the Natural Resources Canada Energuide Awards. The winners truly are leaders in their fields.

The EnerGuide Awards indicate to Canadian consumers that fuel efficiency should be an important consideration in their vehicle purchases. The awards also encourage Canadians to purchase the most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets their everyday needs.

Given the high demand we see each year for the Fuel Consumption Guide, I expect that the EnerGuide Awards will continue to generate great interest.

Ladies and gentlemen, we all want our air to be clean. We want to take action on climate change. We all want our communities, our families and our children to be healthy. Our modern environmental challenges are clear, but we have met challenges - and overcome them - before.

Together are building a stronger and healthier Canada

Thank you