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January 26th, 2017

Shadow Cabinet: NDP creates Electrification of Transport portfolio

OTTAWA – New Democrats announced the creation of portfolio dedicated to the electrification of transport and named NDP MP Pierre Nantel (Longueuil—Saint-Hubert) as critic. His mandate: prepare Canada for the ongoing electric revolution and ensure that the Liberal government takes concrete action to fight climate change.

“Our goal must be for Canada to become the world leader in the electrification of transport,” said Nantel. “That’s why we’re taking a leadership role on the issue. By creating this portfolio, we’re sending a clear message: this government must make the electrification of transport a priority.”

Canada is the only G8 country that doesn’t have a national strategy for the electrification of transport. For too many years, the government has been ignoring the revolution of electric mobility already underway in the provinces and cities. Some provincial governments have already adopted strategies to electrify their transportation, and some municipalities have relied on this sector in developing their industrial policies. Despite its commitments, the Liberal government has yet to take real action to support the electrification of our transportation.

“We must invest in the electrification of our transportation, but at the moment there’s no federal leadership,” said NDP Leader Tom Mulcair. “We need someone in Parliament to speak for those who are carrying this revolution forward and I’m proud to see my colleague spearhead this file,” said Mulcair.