Canadian truckers undertake new energy efficiency initiatives

Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), announced the signing of an agreement on August 12, 2003 between NRCan and the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) that will save energy and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. NRCan’s FleetSmart program will implement the initiatives, which will include the following:

support Canada’s commitment to stabilizing emissions;

heighten members’ understanding of how energy efficiency relates to climate change;

develop cost-effective and flexible voluntary actions;

implement a national training and awareness program for trucking companies that emphasizes cooperation and partnerships; and,

work to identify and reduce barriers to more efficient practices.

According to David Bradley, president of the CTA, while the trucking industry has taken many steps to improve air quality through improved engines and fuel, this initiative gives fleet members the chance to demonstrate their good corporate citizenship and preserve the environment by reducing GHGs.

The CTA is a federation of Canada’s regional and provincial for-hire trucking associations representing some 4,000 motor carriers from all regions of the country. With headquarters in Ottawa and offices in Moncton, Montral, Toronto, Winnipeg, Regina, Calgary and Vancouver, CTA represents the industry on a broad range of policy issues at both the national and international levels.

For further information, contact Alexandra Muir at 613-992-4447