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Last week, Canadian Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Lawrence Cannon announced the federal government will launch ecoFreight, a $61 million program that aims to reduce freight transportation’s environmental effects.

Comprising six initiatives, the ecoFreight Program is designed to remove regulatory barriers, cut fuel usage and reduce air emissions.

For the railroad, air, highway and marine modes, the program directs Transport Canada to create a “Freight Technology Demonstration Fund” providing up to $10 million for testing and analyzing new and underused technologies; establish “Freight Technology Incentives” providing up to $10 million for purchasing and installing proven emission-reducing technologies; and spend up to $7 million to establish “Partnerships on Freight” to bring together a range of transportation sector partners to find ways to reduce air emissions.

“Canada’s new government encourages the freight industry to join the effort, as we all have a role to play in the reduction of emissions from transportation sources, and the development of cleaner transportation systems, practices and technologies,” said Cannon in a prepared statement.

Canada’s railways welcome the $30 million that will be available over four years to all modes to improve freight efficiency, and will continue their efforts to reduce emissions, said Cliff Mackay, president and chief executive officer of the Railway Association of Canada, which represents 60 freight and passenger railroads.

“We will encourage and assist our members to become familiar with the new program and apply, as appropriate, to constantly improve their operations and customer service,” he said.