Canada and Automakers Reach Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Agreement

Canada and Automakers Reach Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Agreement

The Canadian government recently announced that it has reached an agreement with the Canadian automobile industry to voluntarily reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new vehicles so that by 2010 annual emissions reductions will reach 5.3 megatons. All major companies of Canada's automobile industry are part of the agreement.

"This is a good deal for the economy, the environment and consumers. Ultimately, it's a deal that all Canadians will benefit from as the new technologies needed to reach this target come on the market," said R. John Efford, Minister of National Resources, Canada. "I'm particularly proud that we've reached this historic agreement voluntarily, which clearly shows the automobile industry is prepared to do its part to address climate change. I congratulate everyone who helped make this day possible."

The government of Canada and the automobile industry worked together to achieve a voluntary agreement that gives consumers fuel-saving choices, focuses on immediate action to achieve GHG reductions and provides a cost-effective solution for government, industry and consumers.

To achieve the government's GHG-reduction objective for the sector, the Canadian automobile industry will offer and promote a wide variety of fuel-saving vehicle technologies, including hybrid powertrains, cylinder deactivation technology, advanced diesel technology and emerging technologies. The industry will continue to pursue design and engineering improvements without compromising vehicle-occupant safety, while also bringing forward technologies that promote more fuel-efficient driving behavior.

In support of the government's climate change objective, the industry will continue to help Canadians understand what they can do to reduce GHG emissions, and will support positive consumer and driver behavior with respect to the purchase, maintenance and operation of cars and light-duty trucks across Canada. The industry will continue work with the government and fuel providers to ensure that appropriate fuels, including alternate fuels, are available.

A key component of this agreement is the joint government-industry monitoring of annual industry performance against projected interim GHG reduction goals to ensure progress.

The Canadian automobile industry has a strong track record of achievement with voluntary agreements. Since 1977, it has agreed to and successfully implemented more than a dozen agreements. These range from vehicle-safety advancements such as vehicle side-impact protection and air bags to energy improvements and emissions-reduction issues.

Published 05/12/2005