Government of Canada Investment Nearly Doubles EV Charging Stations in New Brunswick

OTTAWA, Jan. 15, 2018 /CNW/ - As Canadians continue to make greener choices, the Government of Canada is making investments that will give them more options to drive clean.

Serge Cormier, Member of Parliament for Tracadie?Bathurst, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Carr, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a $450,000 investment in NB Power's eCharge Network, nearly doubling the number of electric vehicle charging stations in New Brunswick to 19 from10.

MP Cormier also announced an additional $197,500 from the federal gas tax fund, bringing the federal contribution for the new stations to $647,000. In total, federal contribution for the electric vehicle charging station network in New Brunswick stands at $1,147,000 as part of the Government's efforts to encourage Canadians to reduce their carbon footprint.

The Government has committed more than $180 million to support electric and alternative fuel infrastructure across Canada to expand the coast-to-coast network of electric vehicle fast chargers on the national highway system. With this funding we are deploying natural gas refuelling stations along key freight corridors and establishing hydrogen stations in key metropolitan centres, as well as demonstrating new, innovative charging technologies and developing enabling codes and standards.

Through Canada's national energy dialogue, Generation Energy, Canadians made it clear that the transition to electric vehicles and lower-carbon alternatives is not a luxury but a necessity for Canada's low-carbon future. Our government continues to support green infrastructure projects that will create jobs, advance Canada's clean future and help us realize our domestic and international climate change goals.

Quotes
"Expanding the network of electric vehicle charging stations, in New Brunswick and across the country, will give Canadians more transportation options and help put more clean vehicles on our roads and highways. Congratulations to NB Power and its partners for helping to advance our federal and provincial efforts to build a clean economy, create well-paying jobs and realize our climate change goals."

Serge Cormier, Member of Parliament for Acadie ? Bathurst

"The climate change action plan calls for a collaborative approach to creating the strategic infrastructure to support electric vehicles, and we're proud to be a partner in such a progressive plan to build greener infrastructure and support the low-carbon economy. Today's announcement is exciting news and shows that by working together we've positioned New Brunswick as a leader in supporting electric transportation."

Serge Rousselle, Minister of the Environment and Local Government, Province of New Brunswick

"We are very proud to spearhead this first in Canada. By having a network of fast chargers throughout our province, it will give electric vehicles owners the peace of mind they need when they are travelling from one point to another. It will reduce range anxiety."

Gaëtan Thomas, President and CEO, NB Power

Associated Links

• Alternative Fueling Station Locator map
• Go green with electric vehicles
• Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Demonstrations
• Generation Energy

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada