écolo my electric bus

Eight new electric microbuses were officially unveiled this week in Québec City after launching into service a couple of weeks ago.

The new "écolobus" service, which covers Old Quebec, Parliament Hill and Old Port/Place Royale, will be free for a two-year period, after which the City of Québec will evaluate the necessity to expand the program and the number of vehicles.

Developed as part of Transport Canada's Urban Transportation Showcase Program - which funds projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from urban transportation - the buses are part of the Harper administration's "Turning the Corner" action plan.

Launched during Environment Week, it's a $33-billion, 7-year plan. All that money comes from the Gas Tax Fund, providing continuous, predictable funding to municipalities across the country.

A total of $2 billion a year is invested in infrastructure modernization and public transit improvement. The success of the program means that the Gas Tax Fund will in all likelihood be extended beyond 2014 and become a permanent measure.

Source: auto123

world environment day ... is today!

This year's theme - “Kick the CO2 Habit" - is meant to inspire and encourage actions to eliminate the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, a main contributor to global warming.

Conceived in 1972, World Environment Day is the United Nations' principal day to mark global green issues and aims to give a human face to environmental problems and solutions.

It is being hosted by Wellington in New Zealand (one of the first countries to pledge to achieve carbon neutrality) and marked by events around the globe.

Canada's Environment Minister, John Baird, launched this year's Canadian Environment Week (June 1-7) by challenging Canadians to do more to protect and preserve Canada's environment.

"As Canada's Environment Minister, I share Canadians' passion for protecting our environment," he said. "Canadians want to see their Government take a leadership role but they also want to do their part to protect the environment.

That is what Canadian Environment Week is all about. It is an opportunity to focus on the impact Canadians can make towards a cleaner environment, healthier communities and a better quality of life for all."

Read more from Environment Canada, even download a snazzy poster