Bill C-403 (Historical)

An Act to amend the Alternative Fuels Act and the Excise Tax Act (motor vehicles operating on alternative fuels)

The purpose of this enactment is to promote the use of motor vehicles powered by engines capable of operating on alternative fuels. The enactment increases the percentage of vehicles acquired by the federal government with engines capable of operating on alternative fuels to ten per cent of the fleet by 2012. It also encourages persons to purchase or convert to such vehicles by creating rebates on the goods and services tax paid by those persons.

Alternative Fuels Act

[Mario Silva, Liberal, Davenport, ON]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-403, An Act to amend the Alternative Fuels Act and the Excise Tax Act (motor vehicles operating on alternative fuels).

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce a bill that addresses the urgent need to promote vehicles that operate on alternative fuels. The bill would amend the Alternative Fuels Act by creating an obligation for the federal government to ensure that no less than 10% of motor vehicles acquired by all federal agencies and crown corporations use alternative fuels.

The bill would also amend the Excise Tax Act to encourage the purchase of or conversion to a vehicle that operates on alternative fuels. This would be accomplished by providing a rebate on goods and services tax paid by the purchaser.

It is vital that we encourage Canadians to think environmentally and to take action by moving to alternative fuels. It is also vital that the government lead the way by providing an appropriate example.

I encourage the support of all members in this place on this important initiative.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)