Calgary - The Government of Canada is partnering with the City of Calgary, Calgary Economic Development and the Calgary Regional Partnership to support a new telework initiative, "WORKshift - Think Outside the Office," the Honourable Rob Merrifield, Minister of State (Transport), announced yesterday.

WORKshift will receive a contribution of up to $800,000 under Transport Canada's ecoMOBILITY program. The initiative will develop a plan that supports telework programs throughout the Greater Calgary area by raising public awareness of the benefits of teleworking, and providing businesses with specific guidance and support in planning, designing and implementing telework programs.
   
"Our government supports innovative ways to deliver results for the environment while stimulating the economy," said Minister Merrifield. "Telework initiatives like this will benefit employees, businesses and all Calgarians by cutting commute times, increasing productivity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions."
   
"WORKshift will change the way Calgarians work, where they work and how they work," said Diane Colley-Urquhart, Deputy Mayor of Calgary. "By reducing traffic and infrastructure pressures, pollution levels and our
overall environmental footprint, Calgarians and their employers will be able to improve their productivity and consequently their bottom line, while making more time to enjoy our city's one-of-a-kind lifestyle."
   
"WORKshift will give Calgary businesses the necessary tools, support, research and best practices to successfully design telework solutions for their organizations," said Mr. Bruce Graham, president and chief executive officer of Calgary Economic Development. "Through the WORKshift initiative, we will continue to foster Calgary's reputation of innovation, global competitiveness and sustainability."
   
The ecoMOBILITY program works with provinces, municipalities and regional transportation authorities to help develop initiatives that encourage commuters to choose public transit or other alternatives to personal vehicles.
Through the program, the federal government is taking action to find ways to meet transportation needs, reduce costs to Canadians and protect the environment.
   
For more information about the ecoMOBILITY program, visit www.tc.gc.ca/ecomobility.

< Prev		Next >