In its continuous efforts to reduce pollution from the transportation sector to achieve its climate targets, the Government of Canada is making it more affordable for Canadians to purchase, charge and drive electric vehicles (EVs) in Alberta and across the country.
As per a press release, last Friday, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism, Associate Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, announced an investment of more than CA$69,000 in the City of Leduc to install four EV chargers in public places.
Funded through Natural Resources Canada’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP), all chargers are now available for use. The City of Leduc also contributed more than CA$69,000, bringing the total project cost to more than CA$138,000.
Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson of Minister of Natural Resources said that making EV chargers accessible will put more Canadians in the driver’s seat on the road to a net-zero future and help achieve climate goals.
Meanwhile, Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, said that the government is making milestone investments in electric vehicle manufacturing and related infrastructure that our province needs.
Boissonnault added that the announcement of four electric vehicle chargers in the City of Leduc would not only help current residents’ transportation needs but provide infrastructure for the future.
Since 2016, the Canadian government has invested a historic CA$1 billion to make EVs more affordable and chargers more accessible for Canadians. These investments are supporting the establishment of a coast-to-coast network of chargers in local areas where Canadians live, work, and play, while federal rebates of up to CA$5,000 are helping more Canadians make the switch to an EV.
Budget 2022 delivered an additional CA$1.7 billion to extend the incentive program until March 2025 and to expand the types of vehicle models eligible under the program, which would include more vans, trucks, and SUVs. Canada is advancing toward the deployment of 50,000 new chargers supported by $400 million in investments and CA$500 million in financing through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
As per the release, these investments are yet another step in reaching Canada’s target of ensuring all new passenger vehicles sold in Canada are zero-emission by 2035.
Isn’t it cool how the Canadian government is pushing for more EV chargers in Alberta? I reckon they should keep it up and spread the love to other cities. Imagine all of us cruising in electric rides, helping the environment and making our province greener!