NICKEL BELT – GREATER SUDBURY- Transportation accounts for approximately 25% of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), of which almost half comes from passenger cars and light trucks. The decarbonization of Canada’s transportation sector depends heavily on the transition to electric vehicles. The long-term, environmental, and post pandemic recovery benefits of a cleaner transportation system are identified in A Healthy Environment and A Healthy Economy —Canada’s strengthened climate plan.

Canada has set a target for all new light-duty cars and passenger trucks to be zero-emission by 2035. Understanding the unique challenges faced in by rural regions across of the country the federal government introduced a 5-year $280 million program, with the objective of addressing the lack of charging and refueling stations.

There are 15 charging stations in the region, with 3 in the Nickel Belt riding and 12 in the Sudbury riding. The Natural Resources Canada website confirms that an electric highway does exist with charging stations spanning across the Northeastern Ontario region. This is a positive indication that travelling through Northern Ontario with an electric vehicle is becoming more feasible and accessible.

Additional investments for chargers in both the public and private sector are being made available, with NRCAN launching new requests for proposals in winter 2022. Details will be shared with local groups and organizations once available. “Organizations, people and businesses understand the need to proactively pivot now and to embrace this electric transition needs. For example, in my recent discussion with Bill Best, President of Cambrian College, it was exciting to hear of the College’s plan to take preliminary actions to ensure the campus has charging stations available on campus. Our local mining industry is showing increased leadership in the electrification process and they can act as a blueprint to facilitate the transition in other sectors.”

MP Serré recently met with Devin Arthur Chapter President and Chair, Government Relations of the Electric Vehicle Society – Greater Sudbury to discuss how the federal government can work collaboratively with EV technology researchers, developers and stakeholders at a grassroots level to support their initiatives.

“We know that consumer education is one of key pillars to increase electric vehicle adoption, and we are encouraged after speaking with Marc that we can collaborate to help spread awareness and dispel some of the myths surrounding owning an electric vehicle in northern Ontario,” said Arthur.  “Along with education and awareness, we are also optimistic that the continued investment into electric vehicle charging infrastructure across Canada will help to encourage consumers purchasing a new vehicle that an EV is a viable option. With the ability to travel coast to coast in an EV already available today thanks to Natural Resources Canada investment, additional infrastructure will only serve to solidify EVs as the next evolution in transportation technology,” he added.

MP Serré looks forward to working closely with newly appointed Ministers of Natural Resources, of Rural Economic Development, and Environment and Climate Change, FEDNOR and others to help advance environmental sustainability priorities in the Nickel Belt riding.

“Speaking directly with residents and businesses climate action remains a top priority for this new mandate. I’m proud of the accomplishments reached since 2015, with a ban on single-use plastics, a price on pollution, and over $100 billion invested towards climate action and clean growth and much more. I commend the City of Greater Sudbury for being the first municipality in Canada to purchase four electric vehicles for paramedic services. It is encouraging to see the adoption of these cutting-edge technologies right here at home. There’s more work to do, to grow clean jobs, help people embrace the electrification of our future and to amplify the messages of amazing local advocates like Devin and so many more,” concludes Serré.

Quick facts

The 3 charging locations in Nickel Belt are:

• Belanger Ford Lincoln in Chelmsford
• Tremblay Chrysler Dodge in West Nipissing
• Tesla SuperChargers at Wal-Mart on Long Lake Road

Links

Consumers consultation: Electric Vehicle Chargers
Plugshare (EV station locator)
Natural Resources Canada Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program
Natural Resources Canada Electric vehicle charging stations

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Contact
Kaylie Dudgeon, Special Assistant
Marc G. Serré MP Nickel Belt
[email protected]
705-507-2416