Member Article

On May 27, 2008, Line Beauchamp, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks, announced an envelope of $60 million under the Assistance program to reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions by implementation of intermodal projects in freight transportation, to fund new projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, this sum will be paid to businesses and organizations that present projects intended to reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions by better integration or transportation modes or by use of rail or marine transportation.

The program includes two components, the first of which concerns assistance to infrastructure projects. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the eligible projects: 1) railway construction and infrastructure preparation; 2) acquisition and installation of transhipment equipment; 3) construction, development or improvement of piers; and 4) rehabilitation of transportation infrastructures. The maximum financial assistance for these projects was set at $500 per tonne of greenhouse gas emissions reduced or avoided.

The second component is aimed at businesses that seek to encourage transportation solutions that allow reduction and avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions. The maximum financial contribution for this type of project is $250 per tonne of greenhouse gas emissions educed or avoided.