The provincial government added an electric car to its fleet to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Prince Edward Island.

“This is the first of four all-electric vehicles we will add so that public servants can reduce government’s contribution to climate change and leave a lighter footprint as they do their work,” said Communities, Land and Environment Minister Richard Brown.

The Chevrolet Bolt replaces an existing vehicle and it will be available for public service employees whose work involves duties like air monitoring and drinking water protection.

In a contest launching on Friday, Islanders will be invited to share actions they are taking in their daily lives for a chance to win weekly prizes and a grand prize up to $1,000 towards a new bicycle.

“This campaign will be about helping Islanders understand climate change and encouraging them to take action in whatever way they can; every little bit helps,” said Minister Brown. “As part of the Climate Change Action Plan, government committed to developing initiatives to inform, educate and motivate Islanders about the many implications of climate change.”

In Prince Edward Island, 48 per cent of greenhouse emissions come from transportation. A gas powered vehicle produces about four tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) a year whereas an electric vehicle produces less than one tonne of CO2e a year.

Media contact:

Leanne Ritchie

(902) 314-0134

lpritchie@gov.pe.ca

