February 2, 2022 Lethbridge, Alberta Natural Resources Canada
Reducing emissions from the transportation sector is critical to achieving Canada's climate targets and keeping our air clean. That's why the Government of Canada is making sure people can be confident in purchasing, charging and driving emissions-free electric cars in Alberta and across the country.
The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a $2-million investment in the SouthGrow Regional Initiative to support the deployment and installation of up to 110 electric vehicle (EV) chargers across Alberta. This investment, which will make EV charging more accessible to all, will be funded through Natural Resources Canada's Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP).
The SouthGrow Regional Initiative will select recipients through a transparent process, based on demand. All EV chargers will be installed in public places, multi-unit residential buildings, on streets, at workplaces or in facilities for servicing light-duty vehicle fleets by December 2023.
Since 2015, Canada has invested a historic $1 billion to make EVs more affordable and charging more accessible for Canadians. These investments are supporting the establishment of a coast-to-coast network of fast chargers, installing chargers in local areas where Canadians live, work and play, and providing rebates of up to $5,000 to help more Canadians buy EVs.
These investments are yet another step in reaching Canada's target of ensuring all new passenger vehicles sold in Canada are zero-emission by 2035. And just like investments in everything from clean technology to nature protection, today's announcement is part of Canada's ambitious climate change goals that build a cleaner, healthier and affordable future for all Canadians.
