Canada to advance connectivity and automation in transportation industry

The Government of Canada, under the Trade and Transportation Corridors Initiative, will grant $1.725m over four years through Transport Canada's Program to Advance Connectivity and Automation in Transportation System.

Transport Canada will fund research, studies, technology evaluations, development of codes, standards, and guidance materials.

The grant will also be used for professional capacity building that will help Canadian jurisdictions prepare for connected and automated vehicles.

Canada Minister of Transport Marc Garneau said: "Connected and automated vehicles have the potential to improve road safety, reduce congestion, increase mobility, protect the environment and support economic opportunities for Canadian businesses.

"Our investment is focused on ensuring that Canada is ready for connected and automated vehicles."

“Our investment is focused on ensuring that Canada is ready for connected and automated vehicles. I encourage provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous groups, academia and non-governmental organisations to submit their proposals."

According to the government, connectivity and automation will create new possibilities for innovation to improve the capacity, as well as the competitiveness of Canada's transportation system and is expected to have far-reaching impacts on trade, transportation, and the economy as a whole over the coming decades.

The government has urged the provinces and territories, municipalities, academia, and not-for-profit organisations eligible to submit proposals until 30 November.