Driving Change: Tackling the Shift to Low-Carbon Fleets in Ontario

(TORONTO– December 7, 2023) – Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Ontario. While there is a growing shift toward electric and hybrid passenger vehicles, businesses face unique challenges when it comes to transitioning their medium- and heavy-duty fleets. In an era where environmental sustainability intersects increasingly with business viability, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) released its policy brief, “Transitioning to Low-Carbon Fleets in Ontario,” today. It addresses a timely issue facing Ontario businesses, exploring the technologies, policies, and investments required to enable low-carbon commercial fleets across the province.

“As emissions from freight transportation continue to climb, government and industry are partnering to decarbonize the sector – both by accelerating the decarbonization of large-scale fleets and investing in alternative modes of transportation like rail,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “Ontario businesses want to be part of the solution. Our recommendations offer a roadmap for Ontario to support the transition to low-carbon commercial fleets, recognizing the necessity from both an environmental perspective and to attract business investments into the province.”

The primer highlights four critical policy areas:

1. Investments in Clean Energy Supply: It is critical that Ontario continue to attract investments in cost-effective, clean energy resources, including nuclear, hydroelectric, hydrogen, and biofuels like renewable natural gas, to help facilitate the transition to low-carbon transportation at scale.
2. Expansion of Charging and Refuelling Infrastructure: Given existing infrastructural gaps, it is necessary to enhance the network of charging and refuelling stations, particularly along key transport corridors.
3. Advancements in Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Technologies: It is imperative to foster innovative technology solutions for medium and heavy-duty vehicles, including electric, hydrogen and clean fuel alternatives.
4. Purchase Incentives: Incentive programs for low-carbon commercial fleets can be a powerful means to overcome the cost barrier and also attract more investment in the vehicles, infrastructure and supply chains.

The OCC would like to thank its Presenting Partners for their support of this project: Bruce Power and Purolator:

“Bruce Power is working to be a Net Zero company by 2027,” said Mike Rencheck, President and CEO, Bruce Power. “Clean energy is critical to supporting the transition to low-carbon transportation. Our commitment to nuclear energy, a clean, reliable and zero-emission power source, is pivotal in empowering businesses, including those in the transportation sector, to achieve their sustainability goals. We’re dedicated to providing stable, clean energy to support the electrification of commercial fleets across Ontario.”

“As a leader in logistics and transportation, Purolator is acutely aware of the impact our operations have on the environment,” said John Ferguson, President and CEO, Purolator. “It’s our ambition to be Canada’s greenest courier, and transitioning to a low-carbon fleet is a significant step towards meeting our sustainability commitments, including electrifying 60 percent of our last-mile delivery vehicles by 2030. Through our investment in all-electric vehicles and infrastructure, Purolator will greatly reduce our emissions and meet the growing demand for low-carbon delivery solutions.”

For organizations across the country to meet their emissions reduction goals, the journey will require public and private collaboration.  This brief is a call to action for businesses, policymakers, and society at large, highlighting the collaborative effort needed to drive real, impactful change. Read Transitioning to Low-Carbon Fleets in Ontario.

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About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is the indispensable partner of business and Canada’s largest, most influential provincial chamber. It is an independent, not-for-profit advocacy and member services organization representing a diverse network of 60,000 members. The OCC’s mission is to convene, align and advance the interests of its members through principled policy work, value-added business services and broad engagement to drive competitiveness and economic growth in the province.

For more information, please contact:
Andrea Carmona
Manager, Public Affairs,
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
andreacarmona@occ.ca | Mobile: (647) 234-0255