Connected and automated vehicles will bring about significant transformation in our transportation system, our communities, and our economy. They have the potential to improve road safety, reduce congestion, increase mobility, protect the environment, and generate new economic opportunities for middle-class Canadians.
The Government of Canada welcomes innovation that will help to create Canada's transportation system of tomorrow. That is why Transport Canada is providing $2.9M in funding under the program to Advance Connectivity and Automation in the Transportation System in order to help Canadian jurisdictions prepare for connected and automated vehicles.
"Connected and automated vehicle technology has immense potential and will have a tremendous impact on our transportation system. This funding will help our stakeholders improve their understanding of connected and automated vehicle technologies, and how to safely and securely integrate them into our road system in order to capture their many benefits," said Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport.
In particular, Transport Canada funding will support research, studies, and technology demonstrations across Canada. Results will help address technical, policy and regulatory issues related to connected and automated vehicles. Findings will be shared extensively to encourage further innovation across Canada.
- City of Calgary - To establish a connected vehicle test-bed on 16th Avenue North ($290,000).
- Canadian National Institute for the Blind - To study impacts of connected and automated vehicles on pedestrians with sight loss ($50,000).
- City of Calgary - To test an automated shuttle connecting light rail transit with the Calgary Zoo and Telus Spark Science Centre ($50,000).
"This research will allow our communities to be better prepared for connected and automated vehicle technology and will ultimately provide us with many opportunities to make our roads safer, reduce congestion, and benefit our local economy," said Kent Hehr, Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre.
Connected and automated vehicles use technology, such as on-board sensors, cameras, global positioning systems, and telecommunications to provide warnings and assist with driving. Many of today's vehicles already feature partial automation, including speed control, and braking and steering assist. Transport Canada has for many years been assessing some of the components of automated vehicles and continues to assess their benefit to the overall safety of Canadians.
Transport Canada is working with international governments through the United Nations to develop guidelines and regulatory requirements that facilitate innovation and aid in the safe deployment of automated features. Transport Canada and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada are working in close collaboration and with other federal departments and provincial and territorial governments to develop a coherent national approach that will facilitate the safe introduction of these technologies on Canadian roads
