Canada’s Pacific Gateway Strategy praised by industry movers

Canada’s Pacific Gateway Strategy praised by industry movers    The Port of Vancouver, Canadian Pacific Railway and Canadian National Railway Co. welcome the Canadian government’s Oct. 20 introduction of the Pacific Gateway Act, which is designed to exploit the booming Asia-Pacific trade.
   The legislation is part of a wider “Pacific Gateway Strategy,” which aims to provide up to C$590 million ($495.3 million) in funding for immediate transport investments and further longer-term strategic investments.
   “We are taking steps to reinforce British Columbia’s position as an internationally competitive transportation gateway,” said David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry and co-Senior Minister for British Columbia. “Working with the province, we will tackle the roadblocks that stand between us and a seamless, matchless flow of trade with China, India and other Asian countries,” he added.
   Immediate investments totaling up to C$190 million ($159.5 million) include:
   * Up to C$125 million ($105 million) over five years in transportation infrastructure.
   * Up to C$20 million ($16.8 million) in funding over two years for the Canada Border Services Agency to support expected increases in traveler and container volumes, courier shipments, air freight, commercial trucking and clearing of goods.
   * Up to $10 million ($8.4 million) over five years for measures led by the Standards Council of Canada, a member of the Industry Canada portfolio, to deepen links with the Asia-Pacific region through increased cooperation in standards development activities and harmonization.
   * Up to $35 million ($29.4 million) over five years to fund the secretariat for Canada’s Pacific Gateway Council, and for federal departments to work with and respond to it.
   Transport Canada said an additional C$400 million ($336 million) will be dedicated to future projects, including initiatives based on recommendations from Canada’s Pacific Gateway Council.
   “While the Port of Vancouver is expanding its terminals to meet this opportunity, none of this investment means anything if we don’t invest in expanding the road and rail networks that move goods to and from the port. This is a great day for British Columbia’s ports and, indeed, for the future of the Canadian economy,” said Gordon Houston, president and chief executive officer at the Vancouver Port Authority.
   “The federal initiative helps further strengthen the Pacific Gateway as a key access point for all of North America,” said Fred Green, Canadian Pacific Railway’s executive vice president and chief operating officer.
   “Both Vancouver and Prince Rupert are vital gateways for freight traffic moving between Asia and North America, and stand to play even greater roles in international markets in the years ahead. This new strategy will enhance CN’s network that connects both ports to key production and consumption markets in Canada and the United States,” said Peter Marshall, Canadian National Railway’s vice-president, Western Canada Region.