OTTAWA, Ont. — The Government of Canada is announced a number of projects to help the freight transportation sector limit the emission of greenhouse gases and other air contaminants.

Eight projects will receive $2.4 million in funding under Transport Canada’s Freight Technology Demonstration Fund, and a further 15 projects will receive $3.7 million under the Freight Technology Incentives Program. Funding is being allocated to initiatives in the transportation of freight in the air, truck, rail and marine modes.

“These ecoFREIGHT initiatives help transport companies acquire available technology. The result is lower emissions of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants,” said the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “It demonstrates our government’s strong commitment to the environment and our support for the sector in today’s highly competitive market.”

The Freight Technology Demonstration Fund and the Freight Technology Incentives Program together are part of Transport Canada’s ecoFREIGHT Program. This program aims to reduce the effects of freight transportation on human health and the environment by promoting environmentally sound technologies and best practices in the industry.

The Freight Technology Demonstration Fund helps test and measure new and underused freight transportation technologies that can reduce emissions when operated in Canadian conditions.

The Freight Technology Incentives Program provides incentives for companies to purchase and install “proven but underused” freight transportation technologies that reduce emissions, officials said.

“Our government recognizes that climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing the world today and we have demonstrated leadership by taking real action to tackle this issue,” said the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment. “We have made a realistic commitment to cut Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions an absolute 20% by 2020, and today’s announcement is a key part of our government’s action on climate change.”

Projects funded under both these programs are eligible for a contribution of 50% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $500,000, and must be implemented within a two-year period. Remaining costs must be contributed by funding recipients and their partners. Each company will be responsible for securing any provincial permits or authorizations that may be required for projects in those jurisdictions. All funding is subject to signature of a contribution agreement with Transport Canada.