A week's use of a new Prius hybrid sedan wasawarded today to Mr. Marc Fournier, a coordinator of Environmental Services inthe House of Commons. The keys were presented by Mr. Tony Taylor, a Directorof Natural Resources Canada's Office of Energy Efficiency, Mr. Stephen Beatty,Vice President of Corporate Affairs of Toyota Canada Inc., and Mr. Joe Mendes,President of Mendes Toyota.
Toyota Canada donated the use of a Prius as part of the launch of afederal House in Order Initiative recently announced by the Ministers ofNatural Resources and Environment to reduce the production of greenhouse gasesby 31 per cent from 1990 levels by 2010. The strategy for reducing greenhousegas emissions within the federal government includes improving the efficiencyof energy use in its buildings and vehicles, the use of lower greenhouse gasemitting fuels and energy sources, and increasing the awareness of energy useby its employees.
"We thank Toyota for their participation in helping the FederalGovernment publicize the need to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gasemissions," said Taylor. "Hybrid gasoline-electric vehicles such as the Priushave an important role to play as Canada moves towards the reduction ingreenhouse gas production called for by the Kyoto Protocol. From a practicalstandpoint, it is particularly helpful when they can also provide the samelevel of service as conventionally-powered vehicles."