The Alternative Fuels Act Timeline
1995
| April 6 |
Bill S-7 passes the Senate |
| June 19 |
Bill S-7 passes the Commons |
| June 22 |
Bill S-7 given Royal Assent to become the Alternative Fuels Act (AFA) |
1996
| March - June |
Senate Energy Committee holds hearings on the implementation rate of the AFA. Witnesses include the London, Ontario Police Department, Niagara Regional Police, the RCMP and the Treasury Board. |
| July |
Draft Treasury Board regulations developed |
| August |
Customized opinion-editorial article on the implementation status of the AFA. This article, with the general title of "Saving the environment and taxpayers money," was published in 11 major newspapers across Canada, including the Calgary Herald, the Montreal Gazette and the Charlottetown Guardian. |
| October 16 |
Official Treasury Board Regulations announced in the Canada Gazette (Part II, Volume 130, No. 21) |
| October 19 |
Mohawk Gas Station Event: Alternative Fuels Gas Station opening in Vancouver, British Columbia. Senator Kenny attends and speaks briefly on its importance to the lower mainland and the AFA. |
| December 2 |
Green Fleets Forum in Toronto at Metro Hall. Event is hosted by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives and the Toronto Atmospheric Fund. Senator Kenny chairs the morning panelists. |
1997
| April 1 |
First hurdle of the AFA: From now on, 50% of all vehicles shall be powered by engines that are capable of operating on alternative fuels. Actual implementation rate lower than target. |
| April 24 |
Questions placed on the Order Paper to all government departments and crown corporations requesting updated implementation status. Questions fall off table once writ is dropped for 1997 summer election. |
| April 28 |
Alternate Fuels Forum in Toronto hosted by the RCMP and Department of National Defence. Senator Kenny invited as a participant and key speaker. |
| July 9 |
Opening of the first public refueling natural gas station in Victoria, British Columbia. Senator Kenny attends, makes a short presentation and cuts ribbon. |
| August |
Customized AFA opinion-editorial article sent out "Alternative Fuels: The Politicians have listened -- Now we need to get the bureaucrats off their backsides" |
| September |
Questions placed on the Order Paper again with the opening of Parliament. |
1998
| April 1 |
Second Hurdle: 60% of all vehicles shall be powered by engines that are capable of operating on alternative fuels. |
| October |
President of the Treasury Board reports for April 1997 hurdle |
1999
| April 1 |
Third Hurdle: 75% of vehicles shall be powered by engines that are capable of operating on alternative fuels. |
| October |
President of the Treasury Board reports for April 1998 hurdle |
2004
| April 1 |
Where it is cost-effective and operationally feasible, 75% of federal government and crown corporation vehicles must operate on alternative fuels. |