QUEBEC
Canada invests nearly $30M to deliver 1,500-plus EV chargers across Québec
The federal government will invest nearly $30 million to deliver more than 1,500 electric vehicle chargers across Québec, including over 400 fast chargers, as part of its project to build a coast-to-coast-to-coast network of charging stations in Canada.
The announcement was made by Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, on August 30; he had completed a zero-emissions vehicle tour from Montréal to Trois-Rivières and Québec City.
“Today, I announced federal investments to deliver over 1,500 new chargers across Québec, from Rimouski to Gatineau and beyond. This will put more Canadians in the driver’s seat on the road to a prosperous net-zero future,” said Wilkinson in a statement.
Investments were provided to Hydro-Québec ($21.7 million) to install 1,194 chargers (385 fast chargers included), the Canadian National Railway Company ($4,4 million) to support 62 fast chargers at train stations across the country (with 12 in Québec), and $1.3 million was provided to Les Pétroles R.L. Inc. to deploy 57 chargers across the province.
Bell Canada received $375,000 to install 75 Level 2 chargers at workplaces in Québec, while the Syndicat des copropriétaires Lowney sur Ville received $300,000 to install 60 Level 2 chargers in multi-use residential buildings — known as MURBS — in Montréal. The Conseil régional de l’environnement et du développement durable de l’Outaouais and the Montréal-Trudeau International Airport also received financial support.
“Canadians are making the switch to EVs because it is a great way to save money while ensuring clean air in our communities and fighting climate change,” added Wilkinson in a statement. “It’s also, overall, a better driving experience.”
BRITISH COLUMBIA
NCDA calling for support to help those affected by BC wildfires
An urgent bulletin from the New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA) is calling for support from dealers to help people affected by wildfires in the province. The NCDA said it will match member dealer donations up to $20,000.
“In light of the ongoing wildfires across (British Columbia), as well as the Okanagan and the Shuswap, the NCDA has worked with the BC Red Cross to set up a donation portal for BC New Car Dealers,” said Blair Qualey, the association’s President and CEO in an update to members.
The NCDA also thanked the Harmony Auto Group for its $100,000 donation, along with the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) for its $10,000 contribution. The donations will help provide shelter, basic needs, recovery assistance, and emotional support for people in the province facing this disaster.
According to a Red Cross update, “Thousands of people are under evacuation orders or on high alert due to the risk of new fires. Heatwave warnings add to the stress, and the ongoing drought makes things even tougher.”
Dealers can learn more about the situation and/or donate at https://secure.redcross.ca/registrant/donate.aspx?eventid=384907&langpref=en-CA
