Member of Parliament Stéphane Lauzon Participates in Ribbon Cutting of Hydro-Québec's Lachute Superstation

LACHUTE, QC, June 25, 2019 /CNW/ - Electric and alternative fuel vehicles will play a key role in Canada's energy future. As Canadians continue to make greener choices, the Government of Canada is delivering more options for them to drive where they need to go, while reducing pollution.

Today, Member of Parliament for Argenteuil?La Petite-Nation, Stéphane Lauzon, on behalf of Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony of a superstation containing four electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers in Lachute, Québec. This superstation belongs to Hydro-Québec's public electric vehicle charging network ? one of the largest in Canada.

Earlier this year, the Government of Canada announced a $5-million investment to Hydro-Québec to build 100 EV fast chargers across Quebec. The fast-charging infrastructure will span major highways from Abitibi to Côte-Nord. 

Funding was provided by Natural Resources Canada's Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative (EVAFIDI), which has an objective of establishing a coast-to-coast network of fast chargers along the national highway system, natural gas refueling stations along key freight corridors and hydrogen refueling stations in major metropolitan areas. It is part of the Government of Canada's more than $180-billion Investing in Canada infrastructure plan.

To support the transition to a low-carbon transportation system, the Government of Canada set targets for sales of zero-emission vehicles in Canada: 10 percent of new light-duty vehicle sales to be zero-emission vehicles by 2025, 30 percent by 2030 and 100 percent by 2040.

Canada is committed to a clean energy future that guarantees good, middle-class jobs and a strong economy and ensures that our country remains a destination of choice for international investment. This builds on the Generation Energy Council Report submitted to the Government of Canada. The report proposed principles on how to build our energy future in a way that ensures the economy and environment go hand in hand. 

Quotes

"Electric vehicles are an important part of Canada's clean energy future. The Government of Canada is working with Hydro-Québec to build the infrastructure needed to give Québecers cleaner options and helping them reduce pollution."

Stéphane Lauzon, Member of Parliament for Argenteuil??La Petite-Nation 

"It is a pleasure for us to offer EV drivers the first superstation on Highway 50. With the arrival of EVs picking up speed in Quebec, the Electric Circuit is enhancing its offerings in the region to provide the best possible experience for our members."

Renaud Cloutier, Manager, Business Relations, Hydro-Québec's Electric Circuit

Quick Facts

• Transportation accounts for a quarter of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions, almost half of which come from cars and light trucks. The government is committed to putting more zero-emission vehicles on the road, which offer the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in the longer term.
• Building on previous investments, Budget 2019 proposes $130 million to expand the network of zero-emission vehicle charging and refuelling stations and $300 million in incentives for Canadians to lease or purchase eligible battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell, or plug-in hybrid vehicles. A full tax write-off is available for Canadian businesses that purchase electric battery, plug-in hybrid or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (light, medium and heavy-duty).

Associated Links
Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program ? Natural Resources Canada
Zero-Emission Vehicle ? Transport Canada

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada