In a recent address at a conference on public transit in Montreal, Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault emphasized that while electric vehicles (EVs) are an essential component in addressing Canada’s environmental challenges, they are not a cure-all solution. Guilbeault’s remarks come amidst increasing debates surrounding the role of EVs in mitigating climate change and the broader environmental impact of transportation.
Speaking to a diverse audience of approximately 250 key stakeholders from public transportation, municipal politics, energy, and environment sectors, Guilbeault underscored the need to move beyond the misconception that transitioning to electric cars alone will solve all environmental woes. He cautioned against what he termed as “an error, a false utopia” to solely rely on EVs for combating climate change over the long term.
Highlighting the significance of the transportation sector in Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions, Guilbeault acknowledged that while the government supports the electrification of vehicles, it is also prioritizing investments in public transit and active forms of transportation. The Trudeau government’s commitment to developing public transit has been substantial, with a $30 billion investment since 2016, including a newly announced recurring financing program slated to provide $3 billion per year starting in 2026.
Moreover, the government’s efforts extend beyond traditional public transit infrastructure. In 2021, the Liberal government introduced the Active Transportation Fund, allocating $400 million towards initiatives promoting walking, cycling, and other alternative modes of transport. These investments align with Guilbeault’s vision of reducing reliance on private cars and fostering sustainable mobility solutions.
One notable departure from traditional infrastructure priorities is Guilbeault’s assertion that the federal government will cease investing in new road infrastructure. While maintenance of existing networks remains a priority, Guilbeault argued against further road expansion, citing evidence that it encourages more car use, exacerbating congestion and environmental impacts.
Dr. Eve Riopel, a doctoral student at Johns Hopkins University and lead author of a recent paper advocating for updated air pollution norms in Quebec, echoed Guilbeault’s sentiments. Riopel emphasized that while EVs offer benefits in reducing tailpipe emissions, they do not address the broader environmental consequences of transportation. She cautioned against overlooking the indirect sources of pollution associated with vehicle use, such as brake and tire friction, which may worsen with the proliferation of EVs.
Guilbeault’s stance has received both support and criticism. While Quebec’s municipal sector has been praised for its enthusiasm towards public transit projects, Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed skepticism. Ford criticized Guilbeault’s announcement, reaffirming Ontario’s commitment to road and highway expansion, regardless of federal support.
“I’m gobsmacked. A federal minister said they won’t invest in new roads or highways,” Ford posted on X.
Guilbeault remains undeterred, emphasizing the importance of holistic urban planning that prioritizes public and active transit over solely focusing on EV infrastructure. He stressed the need for coherence between planning practices and mobility objectives to reduce transportation’s ecological footprint.
Information for this briefing was found via The Montreal Gazette and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
2 Responses
May be true about grabbing the headlines but there has never been a government better at doing that than the federal liberals! They wrote the book!
I have a friend in bc who owns an ev (80k$).. it froze up on the highway….no towing company would touch it…. Now it has been 4 months and still doesn’t have it back…. Lives in the country… too far to walk.. no buses and no mass transit available
Your teaser headline does not really represent the essence of Guilbeault’s knowledge and logic around how transportation (individual cars – EV or other) and our obsession with them, are the core of the transportation footprint in cities etc. You might as well have quoted Doug Ford from the start, and had that as your headline. A politician, stuck in the 50s, who wants to make political hay out of more roads!