Aviva Canada’s Charged for Change Program Expands EV Infrastructure Across Canada
TORONTO – Aviva Canada, in collaboration with Earth Day Canada, is making significant strides in promoting electric vehicle (EV) adoption across the country with the expansion of its Charged for Change program. Year two of the initiative will see eight municipalities in various provinces benefit from the installation of Level 2 EV charging stations.
The municipalities selected to receive the charging stations include the Town of Okotoks in Alberta, the Municipality of Lakeshore in Ontario, Municipalité de Chertsey in Quebec, Communauté rurale de Kedgwick, Municipalité des Hautes-Terres, and Town of Grand Bay-Westfield in New Brunswick, along with Village de Bois-Joli and Ville régionale de Cap-Acadie, also in New Brunswick.
Charged for Change addresses a crucial barrier to widespread EV adoption – the lack of public charging infrastructure. With a commitment of $3 million over three years, the program aims to support municipalities with insufficient access to charging stations. In its inaugural year, seven Ontario municipalities were equipped with Level 2 charging stations, marking a significant step forward in the electrification of transportation.
Aviva Canada’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Paul Fletcher, emphasized the importance of public charging infrastructure in encouraging Canadians to make the switch to EVs. “Every charger makes a difference,” Fletcher remarked. “As the government’s 2035 zero-emissions mandate draws near, we hope to see more initiatives like ours that encourage and support Canadians to make the switch to EVs.”
Valérie Mallamo, Executive Director of Earth Day Canada, echoed Fletcher’s sentiments, emphasizing the role of electromobility in combating climate change. “The collective transition to electromobility is a key part of the global climate change solution,” said Mallamo. “We’re grateful to be able to work alongside Aviva Canada to support the installation of public EV charging stations in rural municipalities.”
As the Charged for Change program expands its reach across Canada, municipalities are encouraged to apply for funding for year three of the initiative. The program’s continued success will contribute to the development of a robust EV infrastructure network, paving the way for a sustainable and emissions-free future.
Commentary:
The expansion of Aviva Canada’s Charged for Change program represents a significant step forward in addressing the infrastructure gap hindering EV adoption. By providing funding for charging stations in municipalities across Canada, the initiative not only supports the government’s emissions targets but also empowers communities to embrace sustainable transportation solutions.
As the transportation sector accounts for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, initiatives like Charged for Change play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. Increased access to EV charging infrastructure will not only encourage more Canadians to transition to electric vehicles but also contribute to cleaner air and reduced dependence on fossil fuels.
Furthermore, partnerships between private companies like Aviva Canada and non-profit organizations like Earth Day Canada showcase the power of collaboration in driving positive environmental change. By leveraging their resources and expertise, these organizations can maximize their impact and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future.
As we look ahead, it’s essential for governments at all levels to continue supporting initiatives like Charged for Change through policy incentives and funding opportunities. By working together, we can build a more sustainable and resilient transportation system that benefits both current and future generations.
