GOVERNMENTS INVEST IN INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

Federal Finance Minister Ralph Goodale, on behalf of Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre, along with Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation Minister Maynard Sonntag, today announced a contribution agreement between the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan for the deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in the province.

Under the agreement, the two governments will each contribute approximately $438,000 for the deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems technologies in the province.

Intelligent Transportation Systems consist of a broad range of technologies designed to make transportation safer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly.

The first project to be deployed involves the installation of three Remote Vehicle Inspection Stations using weigh-in-motion technology, in Carlyle, Weyburn and Prince Albert. This new technology weighs and measures commercial vehicles without requiring them to stop at roadside weigh stations. It also allows enforcement agencies to pre-screen vehicles for compliance with provincial regulations. Data collected during the period of this project will be analyzed to provide information supporting further Intelligent Transportation Systems technologies in other rural parts of the province.

"This is great news for the province of Saskatchewan," said Goodale. "Initiatives like this show how important technology and innovation are to the Government of Canada and for the well being of Canadians in every region and every province."

"These new technologies present great opportunities to improve the safety of Canada's road systems," said Lapierre. "The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are pleased to be a part of this deployment process."

"This technology will help the province monitor commercial truck traffic on the provincial highway system," Sonntag said. "This will improve safety for the public by protecting transportation infrastructure from overweight trucks."

The Province of Saskatchewan intends to deploy additional projects under the newly signed agreement, in support of its Intelligent Transportation Systems Strategic Plan.

Federal funding will be provided under the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program, a $600 million program to improve highway infrastructure across Canada. Part of this funding — $100 million — is for initiatives that better integrate the country's transportation system. One of these is the ITS initiative, which includes applications such as advanced systems for traveller information, traffic management, public transport, commercial vehicle operations, emergency response management and vehicle safety.

Federal funding for this program is provided for in the existing financial framework.

A backgrounder with further information on Intelligent Transportation Systems is attached.

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For More Information, Contact:

Irène Marcheterre Office of the Minister of Transport Ottawa Phone: (613)991-0700	Jamie Shanks Highways and Transportation Regina Phone: (306)787-4805
Robin Browne Transport Canada Ottawa Phone: (613) 993-0055