The federal government opened two calls for proposals for Indigenous-led projects related to zero-emission vehicles. The first falls under the Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative (ZEVAI), while the second falls under the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP).
The news was announced on March 27 by Julie Dabrusin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, on behalf of Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources. Both projects will receive funding from Natural Resources Canada.
“Indigenous communities are vital partners in decarbonizing transportation and building a more sustainable future,” said Dabrusin in a statement. “The Government of Canada encourages communities to answer these calls for applications to the ZEV Awareness Initiative and Infrastructure Programs.”
In a news release, Natural Resources Canada said the first call for proposals is a pilot project that will fund Indigenous-led awareness and education projects. These projects aim to increase knowledge and confidence in electric vehicles, low-emission vehicles, and clean fuels.
“Successful applicants from Indigenous-led or -owned organizations could each receive contributions of up to 75 percent of the total eligible project costs, with a maximum funding contribution of up to $150,000 per year for a project,” said Natural Resources Canada.
The second open call opportunity will focus on Indigenous-led projects that support the deployment of EV chargers in public places, on-street, multi-unit residential buildings, workplaces, and vehicle fleets. This call would provide successful applicants with up to 75 per cent of the total cost of their project (with exceptions).
