New Policy for Ministers and Government Vehicles

A new policy will add environmental responsibility to the use of vehicles by government ministers.

Leased or purchased vehicles will now be selected from an approved list of green vehicles.

"This is an opportunity to further government's efforts to change behavior to benefit the environment," said Richard Hurlburt, Minister of Economic Development. "We are also working on a green policy for the rest of the government fleet as one more way to ensure Nova Scotia has a clean and healthy environment."

Under the new policy, ministers will have three options for using a vehicle for government business.

They can lease or purchase a new vehicle that is on the federal government list of green vehicles (www.tc.gc.ca/programs/environment/ecotransport/ecoauto.htm). The cost of the vehicle must not exceed $35,000 plus taxes, and every lease will be for three years. For a leased vehicle, no additional kilometres will be purchased and any extra milage will be paid for at the end of the lease.

Ministers can select the type of green vehicle they prefer and the dealership that carries that particular make and model. However, lease negotiations will be conducted by government's procurement staff to help ensure a reasonable price.

Another option is for ministers to receive a $700 per month car allowance and a gas card for use of their personal vehicle on government business.

The third option is to drive their personal vehicle and claim standard mileage for government business.

"Each minister will also submit a yearly report that details their vehicle travel expenses," said Mr. Hurlburt.

The new policy will come into effect as the current vehicle leases expire.