The Environment
Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative (APGCI) strengthens Canada’s competitive position in international commerce because its world-class marine, rail, road and air infrastructure presents the shortest distance between North America and Asia.
Deciding how to invest in APGCI transportation infrastructure includes considering the environment. The APGCI public and private partners invest in initiatives that will help Canada move goods in ways that will use less fuel, reduce traffic congestion, produce fewer emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants, and improve air quality.
Environmental Initiatives
Government of Canada Initiatives
ecoTRANSPORT Strategy
This strategy works to improve the health of Canadians and the environment by:
- reducing the environmental impacts of transportation;
- making critical transportation infrastructure cost-effective and environmentally-friendly; and
- promoting an efficient transportation system that supports choice and the highquality of life Canadians expect.
ecoFREIGHT
This program, which falls under the ecoTRANSPORT Strategy, works to reduce the environmental and health effects of freight transportation through the use of technology. Some initiatives have recently funded projects in the Asia Pacific Gateway. The six initiatives that make up the ecoFREIGHT program are:
- the National Harmonization Initiative
- the Freight Technology Demonstration Fund
- the Partnerships Program
- the Freight Technology Incentives Program
- ecoENERGY for Fleets
- *the Marine Shore Power Program (MSPP)
*The Marine Shore Power Program provides cost-shared funding to port authorities and terminal operators to instal specially designed facilities that supply electricity to large ships for their lighting, air conditioning, communication equipment etc. This allows them to turn off their diesel engines while docked, and aims to reduce air emissions, particles and marine vessel stack smoke in some of Canada’s largest urban centres.
For more information on ecoFREIGHT-funded projects, please visit:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/programs/environment/ecofreight/menu.htm
Short Sea Shipping Projects in B.C.
Shortsea shipping makes moving international trade through Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway more efficient. These projects aim to improve air quality, reduce traffic congestion and reduce noise pollution. The five shortsea shipping projects are:
- Fraser River Shuttle
- Mountain View Apex Container Terminal
- Deltaport Shortsea Berth
- Southern Railway of B.C. Barge Ramp
- Vanterm Shortsea Berth
Urban Transportation Showcase Program
Eight municipalities, including Greater Vancouver and Winnipeg, received funding to showcase innovative, clean, efficient and convenient integrated transportation options. Showcase projects included:
- new or improved public transit services
- land use strategies
- new or improved infrastructure
- public outreach
- greater clean transportation choices
- advanced technologies
Traffic Management Centre and Smart Corridors Strategy
The Traffic Management Centre, based in the Lower Mainland of B.C., is an excellent example of how the APGCI is advancing Intelligent Transportation Systems to:
- improve traffic flows;
- reduce emissions; and
- improve quality of life in communities through which increasing trade volumes move.
Public and Private Initiatives
Canadian Pacific Railway: Anti-idling Technology
Canadian Pacific offers clean, efficient and reliable rail service. Installing anti-idling devices in over 80 per cent of its locomotive fleet has reduced emissions; stop/start fuel-saving devices have reduced fuel consumption by 40 million litres a year.
Provincial Programs and Initiatives
British Colombia: California MOU on Cimate Action
The Memorandum of Understanding on Pacific Coast Collaboration to Protect Our Shared Climate and Ocean commits B.C. and California to work together to:
- cap and trade greenhouse gas emissions; and
- develop and use clean technologies.
Environmental Standards and Regulations
Government of Canada Regulations
Canada Marine Act
The Canada Marine Act ensures greater efficiency in the marine transportation sector.
Canada Shipping Act, 2001
The Canada Shipping Act, 2001 protects the marine environment from damage linked to shipping activities.
Canada’s Railway Safety Act
The Railway Safety Act regulates railways operating in Canada to ensure the safety and protection of the public, personnel, property and environment.
Canada’s Aeronautics Act
The Aeronautics Act ensures safe, efficient and environmentally responsible aeronautical activities.
Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
The Canadian Environmental Protection Act gives the government the authority to make regulations to set emission standards for new on-road and off-road vehicles and engines, as well as the quality of fuel produced, imported and sold in Canada.
Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 1999
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act requires that all federally funded infrastructure projects on federal lands and/or projects needing certain federal approvals do not cause adverse environmental effects.
Moving Forward
Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative will continue to build on early progress and follow the direction already established. Our success will help ensure a strong Canada and a strong economy for future generations.
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