January 31, 2019 Winnipeg, Manitoba Transport Canada
Canada's trade moves through many of our federal transportation assets, such as airports, major ports, and land border crossings. These assets are vital to the country's trade and economic competitiveness. In this era of rapidly moving global supply chains, federal assets are part of a transportation system that must be reliable, efficient and resilient to various stressors, including climate and weather.
An increase in extreme weather events, including high winds, is an associated impact of a changing climate. Today, the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, announced that the Winnipeg Airports Authority is receiving $50,000 to develop a better understanding of the risks tornados and their wind speeds could have on the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport's infrastructure and operations.
Funded through the Transportation Assets Risk Assessment program, the data and analysis gathered during the project to develop a tornado occurrence model will be used to improve the infrastructure design of the airport and prevent climate change-related travel disruptions.
By funding projects that assess climate risk, the Government of Canada is taking action to protect Canadians and their communities from the effects of climate change while strengthening the resilience of the transportation system.
"Canadians are feeling the impacts of climate change. Flooding, storms, wildfires, coastal erosion, and thawing permafrost have consequences on Canadian's ability to travel, as well as on Canada's economy. Through the Government of Canada's support, Winnipeg communities are preparing for the future while mitigating costs associated with changing climate."
The Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport
"The Government of Canada is taking action right now to adapt to climate change. Our communities are assessing their infrastructure to improve their ability to reduce possible vulnerabilities and prevent economic loss associated with the changing climate. In supporting them in their efforts, we preserve our quality of life and bring about new business opportunities.
Doug Eyolfson
Member of Parliament for Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley
Quick facts
Climate change and extreme weather events can damage transportation infrastructure such as roads, bridges, rail lines, ports and airports, which can cause costly travel and transport delays, undermining the safety, efficiency, and reliability of our transportation system.
The Transportation Assets Risk Assessment program funds the assessment of climate risk to provide information to asset owners and operators on what infrastructure components may be vulnerable to climate and weather-related hazards to support investment and asset management planning.
