Canada and the United States : working together toward a greener world

Lawrence Cannon

Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and United States Secretary of Transportation, Mary E. Peters, announced yesterday that the two countries have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation aimed at improving motor vehicle fuel efficiency. Given the fact that Canada already has an agreement with automakers to increase fuel efficiency by 25 percent by 2010 and that it will cost less to reach this goal when the two neighbors fully harmonize their efforts and regulations, it's safe to assume that both deals will allow Canada to develop a solid policy on vehicle fuel efficiency.

In order to protect the environment and public health, regulating vehicle emissions has become crucial. By working together with the U.S. authorities and car manufacturers, the Canadian government could set an example for every public administration that wants to regulate the efficiency of vehicles in North America.

Tools and methods to succeed
As for the tools allowing to improve fuel economy and ensure vehicle safety, not to mention the methods to support the emergence of advanced environmental technologies, both countries are looking to increase fuel economy standards with the help of proven scientific principles. The Memorandum of Cooperation provides opportunities for the two governments to meet periodically to share respective strategies and regulatory practices, to exchange information and expertise on motor vehicle fuel efficiency and to develop the kind of standards needed to secure our energy independence while protecting the economy, the environment and vehicle safety.

The ATVP, an integral part
In Canada, work is already underway. For instance, Transport Canada launched a few years ago the Advanced Technology Vehicles Program (ATVP). This program is designed to support efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation sources and help support a more sustainable transportation system. Advanced vehicles and technologies, such as electric and hybrid vehicles, are assessed to determine their impact on safety, energy-efficiency and the environment. Some of these vehicles are currently available in Canada. By the end of 2003, the ATVP fleet was made up of 87 vehicles.
photo:Gouvernement du Canada