Ottawa – Thousands of Canadian manufacturing jobs are being created across the Electric Vehicle (EV) supply chain, and hundreds of thousands of Canadian families are making the switch to an EV every year. Electric vehicles help families save thousands of dollars in gas money every year. At the same time, communities are seeing electric and hydrogen buses, and e-bikes provide low-cost transportation options for Canadians of all ages and incomes. As Canadians take advantage of these technologies, the Government of Canada is investing to help ensure more communities have access to current information and opportunities.
Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced a federal investment of $7.5 million to various organizations to raise awareness and educate Canadians about zero-emission vehicles (ZEV), including public charging and refueling infrastructure, and clean fuels. This funding will support a variety of initiatives including mechanical training for students and EV test-drives in Edmonton, charger and use guides for first-time EV drivers in Dartmouth, and e-bike safety courses across British Columbia.
The projects will help address challenges related to awareness, knowledge, confidence and adoption of ZEVs, lower-carbon trucks, and clean fuels through outreach, education, and capacity-building activities. Federal funding for these projects was provided through Natural Resources Canada’s Zero-Emissions Vehicles Awareness Initiative (ZEVAI).
“As Canadians use more e-bikes, e-buses, EVs, and chargers, the Government of Canada is investing in information and opportunities that will put Canadians in the driver’s seat on the road to a strong, healthy net-zero future for all our communities.” – Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources