Canadians are encouraged to take advantaged of a newly launched National Vehicle Scrappage Program. The Clean Air Foundation, a non-profit organization, with support from the Government of Canada has introduced “Retire your Ride.”
With many older vehicles still being used, this program offers various incentives to Canadians to turn in their earth-eating masses and swap for something more sustainable. Every individual who takes part results in reduced air pollutions and greenhouse gas emissions – and creating cleaner air, in general, most notably in the months of summer smog.
These factors, all of which cause climate change, apply to cars manufactured pre-1996, which was the year that the Government of Canada introduced policies to reduce the vehicle emissions. These models produce approximately 19 times more pollutants than ones manufactured before the change.
With $92 million in funding, the program offers various refunds and discounts, running 
until March 31, 2011. Public transit passes, memberships to car-sharing programs, and discounts on the purchase of a bicycle are among the ways to promote less car-use, however, rebates from vehicle manufacturers, as well as $300 cash, are offered, too.
Their launch also includes a National Car Recycling Code of Practice, which raises the standard of environmental care for vehicle recycling, therefore preventing the release of harmful substances into the environment by recycling responsibly.
As long as your vehicle is 1995 or earlier, in running condition, and has been insured and registered for at least 6 months, you are eligible.
“The Government of Canada remains committed to reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions to protect the health of Canadians and the environment,” explain Minister Jim Prentice at his recent announcement in Ottawa. “That is why we are working with the Clean Air Foundation, provincial and local organizations to get smog-causing cars off our roads.”
The Clean Air Foundation and the Government of Canada aim to remove at least 50,000 older vehicles a year from Canadian roads, which will result in 2,250 tonnes of smog-forming pollutants removed from the air per year and thereby reducing emissions of greenhouse gases
For details and to apply, visit: Clean Air Online and Retire Your Ride.
Image courtesy of Clean Air Online
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Discussion Take a look at what is being said about this article.
Christa, on March 25th, 2009 says:
Damnit! My car is 1996!!!!!
But a great idea. Finally we are doing something about this gross smog in the air.
Anna Capobianco, on July 27th, 2009 says:
The Retire Your Ride program does not not seem to be working in Quebec.
I have tried to get through to the Quebec phone numbers for a week now to no avail. I know people who have used the program in Ontario an found it to work very smoothly there. Quebec always has to be different!
JAMES, on August 6th, 2009 says:
I have a 1989 vehicle which is driven on a regular basis. During the
past few years new tires, new brakes, new battery, new exhaust, new
steering, new alternator and computer, headlights, wipers, etc have been
installed. It has no rust and is a good running vehicle. Three hundred
dollars is not a sufficient initiative to scrap the vehicle. I have
probably spent ten times that keeping it running but a new vehicle would
cost much more. The GST would be much more than $300. The vehicle did
pass the BC Air Care before it was brought back to Alberta.
Unfortunately I will have to keep driving my old vehicle and I am sure
there are many others who will also do so.