Immigrant Life in Canada: On October 13, local time, the province of Ontario, Canada, announced that it will begin allowing autonomous vehicles to operate on its roads starting January 1, 2016. Ontario will thus become the first province in Canada to permit autonomous vehicles and related technologies on public roads.
It is reported that there are currently about 100 companies and institutions in Ontario engaged in the research and development of high-tech automotive and autonomous vehicle technologies.
The province believes that implementing this pilot program will help these companies conduct R&D work within Ontario, rather than relocating to competing markets, while also supporting opportunities for autonomous vehicles to enter the market. Autonomous vehicles refer to vehicles that operate without a driver or are capable of self-driving; they are able to detect surrounding environmental conditions through the coordination of artificial intelligence, sensors, and global positioning systems.
Ontario stated that autonomous and high-tech connected vehicles and technologies have the potential to improve fuel efficiency and may reduce traffic congestion, greenhouse gas emissions, and even address the issue of distracted driving.
To promote the autonomous vehicle industry, Ontario recently allocated 2.45 million Canadian dollars to a provincial research project for high-tech and autonomous vehicle technology (Centres of Excellence Connected Vehicle/Automated Vehicle Program). On the day of the announcement, an additional 500,000 Canadian dollars was allocated. It is reported that this project brings together academia and the business sector to advocate for and encourage innovative transportation technologies.
Ontario Minister of Transportation Steven Del Duca stated that Ontario will showcase its R&D achievements in autonomous vehicle innovation to the global market. Del Duca noted that during the implementation of the autonomous vehicle pilot program, authorities will ensure that roads within the province remain safe as usual.