Toronto, December 6 2022

Earth Day Canada is pleased to announce its partnership with Aviva Canada which has invested $3 million towards a program that will deliver Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for public use in at least nine underserved communities across Canada.

Assessing those most in need, Earth Day Canada and Aviva Canada will assist, in cooperation with the local municipality and utility supplier, to help level the playing field and remove barriers to EV adoption. Interested communities will be able to submit applications via the Charged for Change homepage from January 3, 2023, and until March 22, 2023.

“We are extremely proud at Aviva that as part of our company’s overall climate commitments, we have been able to identify a specific pain point in terms of EV adoption and take direct action to address that. This program will make a difference in communities where EV adoption isn’t currently viewed as a realistic option,” said Aviva CEO Jason Storah.

A new survey commissioned by Aviva found a direct correlation between awareness and availability of EV charging infrastructure and Canadians’ confidence and readiness to transition to electric vehicles.

Aviva’s survey of Ontarians by Pollara Research showed:
• Only 1/3 of Ontarians are confident that an EV can meet their day-to-day needs.
• It’s considerably lower in communities of less than 50,000 population, where only 23 per cent are confident EVs can meet their day-to-day needs and only 18 per cent of residents have access to charging options.
• Regionally, EV confidence is highest in densely populated areas in the 905 and the GTA/416, and lowest in Northern and Eastern Ontario.

Through Aviva’s new program with Earth Day Canada – Charged for Change – communities
can self-identify their need for EV charging stations and apply for funding to receive 6-10 Level 2 chargers for their community. Nine communities will be selected over three years, starting with three communities in Ontario in 2023.

“Globally, we are seeing the consequences of climate change and the need to address its effects is now. One of the many ways we can reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions is to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles. We’re happy to have the support of Aviva Canada to help Canadians in underserved communities access infrastructure and take charge for a sustainable future,” said Valérie Mallamo, Executive Director, Earth Day Canada.

About Aviva Canada

Aviva Canada is one of the leading property and casualty insurance groups in the country, providing home, automobile, lifestyle, and business insurance to 2.4 million customers. A subsidiary of UK -based Aviva plc, Aviva Canada has more than 4,000 employees focused on creating a bright and sustainable future for our people, our customers, our communities and our planet. Launched in 2019, Aviva Canada is investing in safer communities through Aviva Take Back Our Roads, which uses data driven solutions and strategic collaborations to make safer roads a reality for all. In 2021, we announced our plan to become a net zero carbon emissions company by 2040, the most demanding target of any major insurance company in the world.

About Earth Day Canada

Earth Day Canada is a charitable organization that helps individuals, municipalities and organizations reduce their impact on the environment. In addition to organizing a large-scale awareness campaign on April 22, Earth Day Canada deploys environmental programs and projects with a proven positive impact in various areas such as waste management, the fight against food waste and sustainable mobility.

For all inquiries:

Earth Day Canada Communications Team:
communication@jourdelaterre.org