Citing the need to take action to combat climate change, the Manitoba and federal governments have combined to provide $11.6 million in incentives to truckers in this province to cut down on fuel use. Manitoba Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires says action is needed to combat climate change and to grow the low carbon economy.

Manitoba Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires makes the announcement Monday morning in Winnipeg."The governments of Canada and Manitoba will each contribute $5.8 million for a total of $11.6 million over a period of three years to support related investments by the industry. The Efficient Trucking Program will provide the transport sector with the financial incentives for various retrofits, fuel-saving devices and technologies, reducing energy consumption, providing environmental benefits, savings on costs and strengthening the competitiveness of Manitoba's trucking industry."

Winnipeg Liberal MP Terry Duguid, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna notes the transportation sector makes up 25 per cent of our carbon emissions so this will be an effective way to reduce that pollution. He adds 90 per cent of delivered goods in Manitoba are transported by truck which makes this an important initiative.

"This funding will provide truck drivers or trucking companies with incentives for fuel-saving devices like anti-idling technologies and retrofits that prevent drag for heavy duty freight trucks. This is a practical and affordable program that supports Manitoba's trucking sector to reduce carbon pollution, increase economic competitiveness and save money on fuel."

Left to right: Terry Shaw, Manitoba Trucking Association, Ministers Rochelle Squire, Terry Duguid and Ron Schuler.