Other Initiatives that Support the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy

Background

In Canada, domestic aviation accounted for 4.8 percent of transport-related greenhouse gas emissions (1 percent of the national total) in 2005; these emissions are projected to rise by 42 percent between 2005 and 2020. While further emission reductions are possible through operational improvements (e.g., fleet renewal, more efficient operations and improved air traffic management), technological breakthroughs (e.g., new aircraft designs, alternative fuels) will be needed to bring about large decreases.

Aviation is a highly integrated and competitive international industry that operates within a framework of rules and standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization. The International Civil Aviation Organization and the aviation sector have long worked to minimize or reduce aviation's environmental impacts. For example, the International Civil Aviation Organization has recently established new emission standards for oxides of nitrogen, which will soon be implemented in Canada, and is developing a certification requirement for a new non-volatile particulate matter standard.

In recent years, the scope of the International Civil Aviation Organization's environmental work has expanded to include the global impact of aircraft emissions, including greenhouse gas emissions. In October 2009, the International Civil Aviation Organization's High-Level Meeting on Climate Change resulted in the adoption of a Programme of Action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international aviation.

In October 2010, the International Civil Aviation Organization also adopted a new Assembly Resolution on climate change, Resolution A37-19. The resolution set several voluntary goals for international aviation emissions. The resolution encouraged Member States to submit action plans detailing specific measures to address greenhouse gas emissions related to international aviation to the International Civil Aviation Organization by June 2012.

For more information on the International Civil Aviation Organization's emissions reduction work, please visit the International Civil Aviation Organization's website at: http://www.icao.int/environmental-protection/Pages/default.aspx

In 2005, the Air Transport Association of Canada and Transport Canada signed a voluntary agreement to reduce collective Air Transport Association of Canada member fleet greenhouse gas emissions. This was the first voluntary agreement of this kind in the world. The agreement established a goal of an average 1.1 percent per annum improvement in fuel efficiency, reaching a cumulative improvement of 24 percent by 2012 compared to the 1990 base case scenario. At the end of 2010, the industry had achieved a 1.9 percent annual average fuel efficiency improvement and a 31.0 percent cumulative improvement, surpassing the agreed upon goal.

Program Description:

This program supports Transport Canada's participation at the International Civil Aviation Organization to develop a new airplane emission standard for carbon dioxide and a new aircraft engine emission standard for non-volatile particulate matter. Once these standards are finalized at the International Civil Aviation Organization, Transport Canada will adopt them domestically under the Aeronautics Act.

Transport Canada will also be involved in assessing the impact of global fuel consumption goals, analysing possible market-based measures for aviation emissions, and providing input into the International Civil Aviation Organization guidance on the development of Action Plans.

Transport Canada will also support the Canadian aviation industry to implement the voluntary Canadian Action Plan to address domestic and international greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation sector, for which was submitted to the International Civil Aviation Organization in June 2012.

All of these activities will be informed by targeted scientific research that will improve understanding of the technical aspects of reducing emissions, including support for the development of the certification requirements for the carbon dioxide (CO₂) and the non-volatile particulate matter standards

Research will also be undertaken to improve knowledge of the Canadian aviation sector as well as to enhance Transport Canada's capacity to evaluate potential options for future policies, standards, and programs and to inform future input for the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Once developed, the regulatory framework will lead to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants, thus supporting:

• FSDS Target 1.1 Climate Change Mitigation: Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions 17 percent by 2020; and

• FSDS Target 2.1 Air Pollutants: Reduce air pollutants in order to maintain or improve air quality across the country to achieve the emission targets which are currently under development in consultations with provinces and stakeholders.

Furthermore, the initiative groups together the following six Transport Canada Federal Sustainable Development Strategy implementation strategies. This template will therefore replace these six Federal Sustainable Development Strategy templates, in order to provide a more fulsome description and to streamline progress reporting.

1.1.16 Work within the International Civil Aviation Organization to develop aircraft design performance standards for CO2 as early as 2013. (TC)

1.1.17 Develop and/or implement new rules within Canada's domestic regulatory regime which reflect appropriate international standards and recommended practices concerning greenhouse emissions adopted by the International Maritime Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization. (TC)

1.1.44 Support the development of international principles, standards and recommended practices with the International Civil Aviation Organization aimed at a globally coherent approach to manage international aviation GHG emissions. (TC)

1.1.51.1 Work within International Civil Aviation Organization to continue to advance emissions limitations and reductions from international aviation, including the implementation of the ICAO Programme of Action on International Aviation and Climate Change, while maintaining a high level of safety. (TC, EC)

2.1.30.1 Support the development of standards and recommended practices within the Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) of the International Civil Aviation Organization concerning air pollutant emissions from aviation sources. (TC)

2.1.34 Participate in the International Civil Aviation Organization Council's Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection. (TC)

This initiative is expected to result in new or amended emission standards for the Canadian aviation sector. The new oxides of nitrogen standard is expected to reduce the emissions from new airplane engines by 15 percent (targeted for 2013).

The initiative is also expected to contribute to the implementation of the domestic emission reduction voluntary agreement known as the Canada's Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Aviation.

Transport Canada will support the development of standards, global targets, market-based mechanisms, and other related instruments at the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Transport Canada will support research that examines the short- and long-term impacts of aviation emissions with regards to climate change and regional and local air quality, technological and operational challenges to addressing these emissions, as well as safety, security and economic considerations.

In 2013-2014, Transport Canada expects to:

• Formulate Canada's positions at the International Civil Aviation Organization contributing to international aviation emission standards and practices, as well as to support efforts to address emissions from domestic aviation.

• Participate in International Civil Aviation Organization meetings, working groups and committees.

• Continue to support the development of a global framework for market-based measures to address aviation emissions at the International Civil Aviation Organization.

• Continue to work with the International Civil Aviation Organization to assess market-based measures to address greenhouse gas emissions from international aviation.

• Publish a Report under Canada's Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Aviation.

• Continue to monitor issues raised by the European Union Emissions Trading System.

• Participate as an Advisory Board member to the Partnership for AiR Transportation Noise and Emissions Reduction (PARTNER) in order to contribute to the selection of research projects to meet Canada's environmental objectives, and to acquire knowledge on the latest research on aviation and the environment.

• Undertake research on aviation emissions impacts related to climate change and local air quality impacts and technological and operational challenges to addressing these emissions.

• Participate in international scientific work in support of the development of the certification requirement for non-volatile particulate matter.

Background

In 2009, Canadian railways produced close to 8.7 percent of Canada's total transportation-related oxides of nitrogen (NO_x) emissions and approximately 3.7 percent of the transportation sector's total greenhouse gas emissions. If left unaddressed, rail emissions will continue to increase as traffic levels rise.

In October 2006, the Government of Canada issued a notice of intent to regulate air pollutant and GHG emissions from the rail sector under the Railway Safety Act. Budget 2011 renewed funding for the Clean Air Agenda, including for the development of regulations in the rail sector.

Railway companies have been voluntarily implementing measures to reduce emissions from the rail sector. The rail industry worked with the Government of Canada since 1995 through a series of Memoranda of Understanding to reduce emissions. These agreements have served as a bridge to regulation and have been cost effective in encouraging the rail sector to take early and voluntary action on reducing emissions in advance of federal regulations coming into force.

Program Description

Air Pollutant Emission Regulations

Transport Canada will complete the development of air pollutant emission regulations for locomotives. Regulations will be aligned with those currently in place in the U.S.

Transport Canada will also set up the compliance and enforcement regime.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Regulations

Transport Canada will undertake analytical work to prepare for the development of potential future greenhouse gas emission regulations for the rail sector. Transport Canada intends to collaborate with the U.S. to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the North American rail industry.

Voluntary Action Plan

Transport Canada will work with the rail sector to continue to address emissions by negotiating a renewed voluntary agreement to reduce these emissions.

Research

The rail industry's ability to comply with future air pollutant and greenhouse gas emission regulations will depend to a large extent on the development and adoption of new technologies. Transport Canada will advance research into innovations that address air emissions from the rail sector.

Once developed, the regulatory framework will lead to reduction of air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions, thus supporting:

• FSDS Target 1.1 Climate Change Mitigation: Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) 17% by 2020 and

• FSDS Target 2.1 Air Pollutants: Reduce air pollutants in order to maintain or improve air quality across the country to achieve the emission targets which are currently under development in consultations with provinces and stakeholders.

Furthermore, the initiative groups together the following two Transport Canada Federal Sustainable Development Strategy implementation strategies. This template will therefore replace these two Federal Sustainable Development Strategy templates, in order to streamline progress reporting.

1.1.15 Develop regulations under the Railway Safety Act to address greenhouse gas emissions from the rail sector in collaboration with the United States. (TC)

2.1.12 Develop emission regulations for criteria air contaminants (CAC) for rail sector under the Railway Safety Act to take effect in 2011, aligned with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emission standards. (TC)

This initiative is expected to result in new or amended regulatory frameworks, along with effective compliance and oversight regimes. The new air pollutant emission regulations are expected to reduce air pollutant emissions and lead to both environmental and health benefits.

The initiative is also expected to result in domestic emission reductions from a voluntary agreement.

Finally, scientific and technical research and studies will result from this initiative. Specifically, Transport Canada will engage in research on new and emerging technologies in the rail sector, including assessments of how they perform from a safety, economic and environmental perspective.

In 2013-2014, Transport Canada expects to:

• Implement new air pollutant emission regulations for locomotives.

• Complete the development of the Locomotive Emissions Information System.

• Develop training programs for inspectors who will be required to enforce the regulations.

• In cooperation with Environment Canada and the Railway Association of Canada, assist in the renewal of the Locomotive Emissions Memorandum of Understanding with the Rail Industry.

• Publish the annual report under the new voluntary agreement.

• In collaboration with the U.S., continue the development of potential strategies to address greenhouse gas emissions from rail under the framework of the Regulatory Cooperation Council.

• Continue its ongoing research and development projects in support of emissions reduction and measurement.

Background

Domestic marine transportation accounted for 3% of Canada's transport-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (<1% of the national total) in 2005; these emissions are expected to increase by 8% between 2005 and 2020. The marine sector is also a significant source of air pollutants.

Marine transportation is a highly integrated and competitive global industry that operates within a framework of rules and standards set by the International Maritime Organization to ensure a level playing field. The International Maritime Organization and the maritime sector have long worked to manage the environmental impacts of international shipping. With respect to air emissions, most of this work has focused on reducing air pollutants. Recently, addressing GHG emissions and climate change has become an additional area of focus for the International Maritime Organization.

Transport Canada has been actively engaged at the International Maritime Organization in developing standards and recommended best practices for reducing GHG emissions and air pollutants caused by ships

In the Canadian context, aligning marine emission regulations with U.S. domestic standards is also crucial for trade and the economy because ships that travel the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway are subject to both Canadian and U.S. regulations.

For more information on the International Maritime Organization's emission reduction work, please visit the International Maritime Organization website at: http://www.imo.org/OurWork/Environment/Pages/Default.aspx

Program Description

Transport Canada will develop and implement new regulations under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, expected by August 1, 2012, to address emissions, including standards for:

• Vessels operating in Canadian coastal waters (i.e. the North American Emission Control Area) and Canadian vessels overseas;

• Vessels operating in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway; and,

• Medium marine diesel engines aligned with US standards.

Transport Canada, with support from Environment Canada, leads Canada's participation at the International Maritime Organization.

Transport Canada will update regulations for marine vessels operating in the Arctic. Transport Canada will carry out research on new design standards that will increase the fuel efficiency of Polar class vessels. The new standards will then be incorporated into regulations under the Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act.

Transport Canada will engage in research, in collaboration with Environment Canada and Natural Resources Canada, to facilitate the adoption of innovations such as lower carbon fuels, hybrid propulsion systems, and emerging clean air and fuel-efficient technologies, while leveraging private-sector investment. Outcomes of this effort will support the International Maritime Organization's work on new global standards and guidelines and foster the maritime industry's ability to comply with emission standards over the medium to long term.

Transport Canada will also work on the development and implementation of a marine vessel activity and fuel consumption survey aimed at improving estimates of domestic and international marine-related energy use, air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.

Research will also be undertaken to improve knowledge of the Canadian marine sector as well as to enhance Transport Canada's capacity to evaluate potential options for future policies, regulations, and programs as well as inform future input for the International Maritime Organization.

Once developed, the regulatory framework will lead to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants, thus supporting:

• FSDS Target 1.1 Climate Change Mitigation: Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) 17% by 2020; and

• FSDS Target 2.1 Air Pollutants: Reduce air pollutants in order to maintain or improve air quality across the country to achieve the emission targets which are currently under development in consultations with provinces and stakeholders.

The initiative groups together the following eight Transport Canada Federal Sustainable Development Strategy implementation strategies. This template will therefore replace these eight Federal Sustainable Development Strategy templates, in order to provide a more fulsome description and to streamline progress reporting.

1.1.14 - Work within the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to support the development of international energy efficiency / GHG standards for marine vessels. (TC)

1.1.17 - Develop and/or implement new rules within Canada's domestic regulatory regime which reflect appropriate international standards and recommended practices concerning greenhouse emissions adopted by the International Maritime Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization. (TC)

1.1.45 - Support the development of international standards and recommended practices with the International Maritime Organization concerning greenhouse gas emissions from marine sources. (TC)

1.1.52 - International Maritime Organization: Work within the International Maritime Organization toward the development of international standards and recommended practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from marine shipping, while maintaining a high level of safety. (TC)

2.1.13 - Continue to work with the United States and France to implement a designated Emission Control Area for North American coastal areas, under the auspices of the IMO, by 2012. (TC, EC)

2.1.14 - Develop enhanced emissions regulations under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, for vessels operating in Canadian waters. (TC)

2.1.30.2 - Support the development of international standards and recommended practices within the International Maritime Organization concerning air pollutant emissions from marine sources. (TC)

2.1.33 - Participate in the Marine Environmental Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization. (TC)

This initiative is expected to result in new or amended regulatory frameworks, along with effective compliance and oversight regimes. The new regulations made under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 are expected to reduce sulphur oxide emissions from marine vessels by up to 94 percent and nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 80 percent by 2020. The regulatory amendments planned for the Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act should reduce fuel use, in turn decreasing air pollutant and GHG emissions.

The regulatory amendments planned for the Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act should reduce fuel use, in turn decreasing air pollutant and GHG emissions.

Transport Canada will contribute to the development of new international emission standards as well as a framework, technical measures, and possibly market-based measures to reduce GHG emissions at the International Maritime Organization. Canada's input will not generate emission reductions directly; however, once the instruments are finalized at the International Maritime Organization and adopted domestically in Canada, they should lead to decreased emissions.

Transport Canada will engage in research that examines new technologies and practices that can be used for emission reduction or emission measurement.

In 2013-2014, Transport Canada expects to:

• Continue to play a leadership role at the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization.

• Continue to progress to develop further standards at the International Maritime Organization to reduce greenhouse gases from ships.

• Continue to work at the International Maritime Organization on the development of technical and other measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international maritime shipping.

• Implement the North American Emission Control Area and air emissions standards for vessels in the Great Lakes and St Lawrence waters.

• Initiate a Data Collection Survey (full implementation pending amendments to the data regulations approved via Canada Gazette, Part II).

• Continue its ongoing research and development projects in support of emissions reduction and measurement.

Background

In 2005, on-road vehicles accounted for 18% of Canada's total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, more than any other mode in the transportation sector. Emissions from heavy-duty vehicles (buses and trucks) are expected to rise by 27% between 2005 and 2020.

To address these emissions, the Government of Canada has announced that it will put in place GHG emission regulations for heavy-duty vehicles for model years 2014 to 2018.

It has also committed to implementing progressively more stringent emission standards for light-duty vehicles (passenger automobiles and light trucks) that will cover model years 2017 and beyond, extending the current regulatory approach that sets emission standards for light-duty vehicles for model years 2011 to 2016. The proposed heavy-duty and light-duty GHG emission regulations, lead by Environment Canada, will align with standards developed by the United States.

Program Description

Transport Canada will support Environment Canada's efforts by assessing the safety, environmental and competitiveness impacts associated with proposed GHG emission regulations.

For light-duty vehicles, Transport Canada will engage in data, analytical and modeling work, building on existing knowledge and expertise gained through supporting the former ecoAUTO Rebate Program and Green Levy. These activities will provide a better understanding of the sector and increased capacity to assess the competitiveness and environmental impacts of future regulatory and other mitigation policy options.

With respect to heavy-duty vehicles, Transport Canada, in collaboration with Environment Canada and Natural Resources Canada, will develop and launch a national heavy-duty vehicle survey.

The survey will improve data gathering that will assist EC in the development of the heavy-duty vehicle GHG emission regulations.

The GHG emission regulations for new light- and heavy-duty vehicles are expected to accelerate the introduction of new fuel-saving and energy-efficient technologies for motor vehicles (e.g., low-rolling resistance tires). In assessing these technologies, Transport Canada will develop new or revised vehicle safety regulations, standards, codes, or guidelines (under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act) as required.

Once developed, the regulatory framework will lead to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, thus supporting:

• FSDS Target 1.1 Climate Change Mitigation: Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) 17% by 2020.

In order to provide a more fulsome description and to streamline progress reporting this template will replace the 1.1.10 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy template.

1.1.10 - Develop regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 to address greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty vehicles, aligned with the United States but taking into consideration the distinct nature of the Canadian fleet. The draft regulations are expected to be available for consultation in early 2012. (EC, TC)

This initiative is expected to result in new or amended regulatory frameworks, along with effective compliance and oversight regimes. Preliminary estimates suggest that the proposed heavy-duty vehicle GHG emission regulations will result in a reduction of approximately 2 megatonnes (Mt) per year by 2020. The emission reduction potential of the future light-duty vehicle GHG regulations can only be estimated once the regulations are developed

This initiative could also result in new or amended vehicle safety regulatory frameworks made under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, if determined to be required. While GHG emission reductions would not result directly from the new safety regulations, standards, codes, or guidelines, they would help eliminate barriers to the introduction of fuel-saving vehicle technologies in Canada. Finally, research results and studies are expected to result from this initiative.

In 2013-2014, Transport Canada expects to:

• Disseminate road activity data estimate results of registered heavy-duty vehicles in Canada to stakeholders.

• Continue research and regulatory development work to assist in the development of international and Canadian regulations or consumer information covering issues such as electrical battery safety, electric vehicle crashworthiness, quiet vehicle safety and tire traction information.

Background

The Government of Canada has committed to progressively more stringent GHG regulations for light-duty vehicles (LDVs) and heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs). While these regulations are expected to generate environmental benefits and reduce fuel use and fuel costs, they are also likely to increase the pace of technological change. As new technologies move towards commercialization more quickly and in greater numbers, Canada will need regulatory approaches that are more proactive, streamlined, and targeted.

To achieve this, Transport Canada's ecoTECHNOLOGY for Vehicles initiative will proactively test and evaluate advanced LDV and HDV technologies before they are well established in the market. Test results will help inform the development of safety and environmental regulations. Results will also help inform the development and harmonization of the regulatory and non-regulatory codes and standards required to address new and emerging technologies and facilitate their entry into the marketplace over the next 5-10 years.

Identifying environmental benefits and potential safety risks earlier in the development of new vehicle technologies will allow for the faster, safer, and more cost-effective introduction of advanced vehicle technologies in Canada.

Program Description

The ecoTECHNOLOGY for Vehicles II (eTV II) program is an integrated technical assessment initiative that will provide the knowledge base required to develop proactive safety and environmental regulatory approaches for new technologies. It will also support national, continental and international standards alignment to foster timely access to new advanced vehicle technologies for Canadians.

In-depth testing and evaluations of advanced light-duty vehicle (LDV) and heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) technologies will be conducted in laboratories, on test tracks, and in real world conditions to establish an integrated and comprehensive knowledge base about their environmental and safety performance in Canadian conditions.

Technical findings will be proactively made available to regulators across the Government of Canada to inform the development of safety and greenhouse emissions regulations; to industry associations to support the development of non-regulatory codes and standards; and to other governments (provincial, territorial, US, and international) to support the harmonization of regulations, codes and standards.

The initiative will also support Transport Canada's participation in efforts to align codes, standards and regulations nationally, continentally and internationally, and well as with non-regulatory authorities. Increased alignment will expand the market for Canadian vehicle technology innovations and allow technology developers to design to a more predictable set of standards.

The eTV II initiative will support Environment Canada (EC)'s work to develop greenhouse gas emission (GHG) regulations for light- and heavy-duty vehicles, proposed under its renewal of the Clean Air Regulatory Agenda. Once developed, these regulations will lead to reduction of GHG emissions and air pollutants, thus supporting

• FSDS Target 1.1 Climate Change Mitigation: Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada's total GHG emissions 17% by 2020; and,

• FSDS Target 2.1 Air Pollutants: Reduce air pollutants in order to maintain or improve air quality across the country to achieve the emission targets which are currently under development in consultations with provinces and stakeholders.

The eTV II will produce scientific and technical research results and studies that assess the safety and environmental performance of advanced vehicle technologies in order to:

• support the development of standards, codes, protocols, guidelines, and related instrument;

• inform the development of Safety Standards and Environment Canada's light-duty vehicle and heavy-duty vehicle greenhouse gas emissions regulations; and,

• to help more low-emission vehicle technologies enter the Canadian market.

In 2013-2014, Transport Canada expects to:

• Conduct a review of the program's technology and environmental scan to ensure continued relevance of program priorities.

• Conduct safety and environmental testing and evaluation activities on identified priority light-duty vehicle and heavy-duty vehicle technologies.

• Compile and disseminate test results to stakeholders (e.g., industry, other governments, North American regulators) to support regulatory development and industry codes and standards for advance vehicle technologies.

Background

Transport Canada has a mandate to ensure the national transportation system is efficient and to lead Canada's efforts in advancing a National Policy Framework for Strategic Gateways and Trade Corridors. This framework includes long-term policy, planning and strategic investments in transportation systems to strengthen Canada's position in international commerce.

The gateways and corridors (i.e., Atlantic Gateway, Ontario-Quebec Continental Gateway, Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative) are of strategic importance to Canada's trade movements. International pressure is mounting to reduce transportation's environmental impacts, and increasingly, shippers and carriers are looking for ways to green their supply chains. The competitiveness of Canada's system could be enhanced via measures that improve efficiency and reduce emissions in the gateways and corridors.

Program Description

Under this initiative Transport Canada's will:

• Create an inventory of existing information sources on production and energy consumption for the supply chains of Canada's three gateway and corridor initiatives;

• Develop and implement data gathering and processing; and,

• Generate and organize data to quantify the carbon performance of Canada's strategic gateways and trade corridors.

In 2013-2014, Transport Canada expects to:

• Initiate data collection projects for all modes and components in the supply chains related to the Asia-Pacific gateway and corridor.

• Continue the development of an internal carbon footprint model to accommodate new data and knowledge and consider other corridors based on the results of the Asia-Pacific initiative.

Background

As container traffic at ports across Canada continues to grow, trucking fleets find it increasingly challenging to access port terminals. Multiple trucks often arrive at port entrances at the same time, causing congestion and contributing to long queues and wait times for entry into the port. Unnecessary GHG and air pollutant emissions result as the trucks idle their engines.

Truck reservation systems use technologies, software, and communications equipment (such as radio-frequency identification tags for vehicles and readers at port and terminal facilities) to allow port operators to schedule the arrival of trucks for pick-up and delivery of containers. They also track trucks, align them with their scheduled time slot, and direct them to the appropriate location within the port facility.

In addition to reducing emissions, truck reservation systems provide advanced freight scheduling, appointment and container tracking information to trucking companies and container terminals, which in turn can provide substantial benefits to the port community at large. These port terminals solutions can alleviate congestion and delays on roads and at the terminal gate, result in fuel savings, and increase overall port/terminal efficiency and competitiveness.

Program Description

Under this initiative, Transport Canada will be looking at ways innovative technology applications and improved operational practices can help increase efficiency and environmental sustainability for port terminal and trucking fleet operators. The department will work with various supply chain participants to better understand the needs, challenges and benefits from a systems perspective.

Work to improve port-related trucking efficiency and environmental sustainability will align with and support Transport Canada's Smart Corridor approaches, which are part of the gateway initiatives. These approaches underline the importance of improved, more interoperable technology systems, and they take a holistic and integrated approach to goods movement.

Transport Canada will provide transfer payment funding to support the deployment of truck reservation systems. Eligible recipients will include port and container terminal operators and trucking operations.

Federal funds will support the installation of technologies, software, and equipment.

This initiative will lead to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants, thus supporting:

• FSDS Target 1.1 Climate Change Mitigation: Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) 17% by 2020; and,

• FSDS Target 2.1 Air Pollutants: Reduce air pollutants in order to maintain or improve air quality across the country to achieve the emission targets which are currently under development in consultations with provinces and stakeholders.

This initiative is expected to result in the implementation of integrated, more efficient truck reservation systems or other technologies and innovative practices to increase efficiencies at Canadian ports and terminals. Key benefits include:

Efficiency Benefits: Alleviating congestion and delays on roads and at terminal gates by enhancing the efficiency of truck freight movements at ports resulting in time and fuel savings, and improved supply chain competitiveness and productivity.

Environmental Benefits: Greening the supply chain by encouraging greater awareness and uptake of proven advanced technologies and best practices that enable operators to reduce truck idling and emissions at port facilities. This initiative is also expected to produce studies and reports that broaden understanding of system technologies.

Economic Benefits: Supporting the supply chain objectives of Canada's major container ports, and working in collaboration with supply chain participants in order to help position Canada's gateways for long-term growth.

In 2013-2014, Transport Canada expects to:

• Continue ongoing engagement and information sharing to inform industry and stakeholders on the Port-Related Trucking Program.

• Solicit port-related project applications.

• Negotiate and sign contribution agreements for approved projects.

Background

Marine shore power is a leading edge technology that allows ships to plug into the local electrical grid to power the vessel while at port, thereby avoiding the use of diesel auxiliary engines which consume fuel and produce GHG and air pollutant emissions.

Canadian ports are facing barriers to the adoption of marine shore power including the initial capital cost of these installations for the port and terminal operators, the lack of experience in Canada with this technology, and the complexity of contractual arrangements with partners (e.g., utilities, provincial and/or municipal governments) governing access to city electrical grids and power lines. Additionally, the benefits of shore power are shared among many stakeholders, making the business case for investment by the port challenging. These challenges continue to limit the uptake of shore power in Canada. Experience with previous programs has shown that these complex and innovative projects are not likely to happen without federal leadership over the near term.

Vessels entering Canadian coastal ports will be required to burn cleaner fuel to comply with the North American Emission Control Area requirements that came into effect August 1, 2012. Similarly, marine emission standards on the Great Lakes / St. Lawrence Seaway System will require the use of cleaner fuel. Shore power will reduce the need to burn this fuel while in ports.

Program Description

Under this initiative Transport Canada will:

• Provide transfer payment funding to support the deployment of shore power technology in up to six eastern, western coastal or Great Lakes ports for all types of commercial vessels (cruise, container, bulk); and,

• Share information to inform industry and stakeholders on shore power initiatives.

Transport Canada will provide transfer payment funding ($27.2M over five years) to support the deployment of shore power technology in a range of port and geographical settings. The proposed Shore Power Technology for Ports Program will support coastal or Great Lakes ports for all types of commercial vessels (cruise, container, bulk).

Eligible recipients will include Canadian port authorities and terminal operators. Federal funds will equal no more than 50% of eligible project costs. Eligible expenses will include costs related to research and planning; construction; labour; the purchase, lease, or modification of equipment, or other technologies; and related administrative costs.

Once fully implemented, the SPTP will lead to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants, thus supporting:

• FSDS Target 1.1 Climate Change Mitigation: Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) 17% by 2020; and,

• FSDS Target 2.1 Air Pollutants: Reduce air pollutants in order to maintain or improve air quality across the country to achieve the emission targets which are currently under development in consultations with provinces and stakeholders.

This initiative is expected to result in the implementation of shore power technologies at Canadian ports. Once these projects are completed, they are expected to result in reduced emission intensity in port facilities.

Transport Canada expects to fund projects yielding estimated total reductions of 217 tonnes of SO_x, 422 tonnes of NO_x, 34 tonnes of particulate matter and 34 tonnes of CO from port facilities (preliminary estimates). The initiative is also expected to achieve up to 30,000 tonnes in annual GHG reductions by 2016 (preliminary estimates). These emissions will result from decreased fuel use by ships at port. The initiative could decrease fuel consumption in the marine sector by up to 9.7M litres/year.

This initiative is also expected to produce reports that broaden understanding of shore power facilities. Project reports will describe results and lessons learned from the installation of these technologies. These reports will highlight the potential benefits of Shore Power technologies and help other ports identify partners and sources of capital investment to initiate additional projects.

In 2013-2014, Transport Canada expects to:

• Manage the transfer payment agreements (including progress reports, financial claims, project management) for projects selected under the first round of funding.

• Select projects and negotiate contribution agreements for proposals received under the second round of funding.

• Develop program material (e.g. communication products, information sharing strategy, contribution agreement templates, Program tools).

• Engage and share information with industry and stakeholders on completed shore power initiatives (presentations, site visits)

Background

Canada's northern regions depend on reliable transportation links for their social and economic development and prosperity. However, transportation infrastructure in the North is particularly sensitive to environmental change. Increases in ground temperatures and a corresponding loss of integrity in permafrost terrain threaten Canada's northern transportation systems. The systems' safety and effectiveness are being compromised by deteriorating infrastructure and increasing maintenance costs-for roads, airstrips, terminal buildings, and other infrastructure. Northern marine infrastructure is also affected through sea level rise, higher and more violent tides, and shoreline erosion. Other impacts include an increase in winter temperatures, increases in winter precipitation (snow and rain) and more frequent freeze-thaw cycles, all of which have significant impacts on infrastructure.

The Northern Strategy, through its four pillars (economic and social development, governance, environmental protection, and sovereignty), recognizes that Canada's ability to meet the upcoming opportunities and challenges that exist in the North will shape its future. Science and technology underpin the pillars of the Northern Strategy, especially in support of its economic and social development, and environmental objectives. Economic interest in the North has intensified because of the potential for resource development and the opening of new transportation routes, both facilitated and challenged by the growing impacts of climate change. This initiative will complement the Northern Strategy by taking measures to increase our understanding of the vulnerability of the transportation system and associated infrastructure in the North; enabling the department to effectively identify approaches to assist the northern transportation system in adapting to climate change (such as technology implementation); and allowing transportation systems to remain safe, secure and efficient.

Program Description

This initiative will study, develop, and introduce innovative science-based technologies to help improve the resiliency and adaptability of existing and future northern transportation infrastructure. This will be done through strategic partnerships with other federal government departments, territorial and provincial governments, academia and industry to ensure that the limited northern resources are maximized and that knowledge, best practices and adaptive solutions are shared amongst stakeholders.

Building on existing research, this adaptation initiative will focus on increasing capacity among Northerners to adapt transportation infrastructure to a changing climate, thereby ensuring the safety, efficiency and environmental sustainability of that infrastructure.

More specifically, objectives of the initiative include:

• improved knowledge of the impacts of climate change on transportation infrastructure;

• an understanding of the future costs associated with maintenance of existing infrastructure in light of climate change impacts;

• building new science-based capacity;

• conducting research and development on the technical challenges of adapting northern transportation infrastructure;

• supporting research to develop and test science-based technologies that address effects of climate change across northern transportation infrastructure; and

• ensuring that the necessary knowledge is available and provide the appropriate adaptive tools to enable planners and practitioners to make strategic choices in support of Canada's northern transportation system.

While this initiative has no direct links to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, it is linked to other government initiatives and reports. In particular, this initiative will play a role in addressing gaps identified by the DM CCEE Building Resilience to Climate Change policy paper:

1. Improving our understanding of climate change

Technology applications in surface, marine and air transportation will increase our knowledge of the effects climate change is having on northern transportation infrastructure and help identify the most appropriate future measures to manage the risks associated with these changes. It will ensure that essential services continue to be provided to northern communities; increase the safety and security of the northern transportation system; and ultimately lower the risk of disturbing the everyday activities of northern communities. The initiative will contribute to an overall understanding of the vulnerability of the transportation system and associated infrastructure in the North.

2. Building priority-driven partnerships

The initiative necessitates close partnerships with territorial and other governments to address pressing transportation infrastructure risks that are occurring from climate change (e.g., permafrost thaw, seasonal temperature variations, increased precipitation, etc.)

3. Developing policy tools

The initiative will produce valuable knowledge along with technological tools that will inform future policy development and investment decisions in the North.

The initiative will address these key resilience domains by ensuring that existing and new infrastructure for surface, marine and air transportation can withstand new climatic conditions; maintaining the integrity of northern transportation infrastructure and therefore prolonging the lifetime of the infrastructure while minimizing maintenance costs; ensuring northern communities have access to a transportation system that is safe, secure and accessible; and maintaining the efficient flow and movement of people and goods on northern transportation systems.

Immediate outputs of this initiative include:

• Practices, guidelines and maintenance activities to respond to risks and opportunities of climate change;

• Reports to support future policy development and decision making;

• Scoping studies to help inform the priorities for funding research and development during the program;

• Multi-year pilot research and development projects;

• Testing, deployment and installation of new adaptive technologies;

• Workshops and case studies that focus on specific problems (e.g., increased ground water flow, airstrip and marine infrastructure vulnerabilities);

• Working groups, workshops and conferences that foster relationships and knowledge sharing between stakeholders and industry members; and,

• Training and exchange seminars that help disseminate knowledge or build capacity.

The long term outcome of this initiative is to have increased capacity among Northerners to adapt transportation infrastructure to a changing climate thereby ensuring the safety, efficiency and environmental sustainability of that infrastructure. Where little infrastructure exists at present (as is the case with northern marine infrastructure), adaptation knowledge and technologies will be important for the design, construction and maintenance of infrastructure over the coming decades. Ultimately, this initiative will offer added value toward northern transportation infrastructure choices that optimize resources and justify associated costs.

In 2013-2014, Transport Canada expects to:

• Facilitate and convene multiple workshops for external stakeholders, where subject matter experts from governments, academia, and the private industry will have shared best practices and developed models for collaboration.

• Provide funding support for multi-year research and development projects with provincial/territorial governments and not-for-profit organizations to support knowledge gap studies, needs assessments and the testing and analysis of various technologies for the adaptation of transportation infrastructure and operations in Canada's North.