Canadian Legislative Updates
Public Transportation Improvements Announced In Saskatchewan
The Government of Canada and the City of Prince Albert have announced the opening of a new transit centre and the addition of a low-floor bus to the City's fleet.
Randy Hoback, Federal Member of Parliament for Prince Albert, highlighted that the Government of Canada is proud to invest in modern infrastructure projects that enhance the quality of life for residents. Additionally, this measure will help to promote the use of public transit.
The new transit centre includes a large island to facilitate the transfer of passengers, new benches and shelters, increased lighting, and added crosswalks. The low-floor bus does not have any stairs, making it easy for passengers to board. This will help improve accessibility for seniors, people with strollers, and those with any mobility issues.
The Government of Canada provided $1.5 million, through the Province of Saskatchewan, to the City of Prince Albert to build the transit centre and purchase the bus from the Public Transit Capital Trust 2008, the Public Transit Fund, and the Gas Tax Fund.
Government of Canada Partners With Mitsubishi Motor Sales Of Canada
The Government of Canada, along with Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc. (MMSCAN), has announced a joint partnership to test the Mitsubishi i-MiEV (Innovative Electric Vehicle) in Canada.
Through Transport Canada's ecoTECHNOLOGY for Vehicles (eTV) program, two i-MiEVs will be tested in government facilities, as well as in a variety of real-world conditions, in order to evaluate the vehicle's road handling, performance, and range. Additionally, the test results will assist with the assessment of the potential environmental benefits of electric vehicle technologies in Canada.
The i-MiEV, featuring unique architecture, is an all-electric vehicle that seats four adults and includes a 330-volt lithium ion battery that powers a 63-hp electric motor. The battery can be charged easily with a standard household 110-volt wall socket, a 220-volt socket, or with a commercial two-phase "quick charger." The vehicle is capable of traveling up to 120 kilometres on a single charge.
On hand to celebrate the partnership and mark the start of testing were the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and Mr. Koji Soga, President and CEO of MMSCAN.