Canadian ports recommend merger

Canadian ports recommend merger    Three Canadian port authorities in the area of Vancouver, British Columbia, are favoring a recommendation to merge.
   The boards of directors of the Vancouver, North Fraser and Fraser River port authorities ratified a report recommending their integration into a single Canada Port Authority in an effort to capture a larger share of Pacific trade.
   The report was prepared by InterVISTAS Consulting Ltd., and commissioned by the three port authorities after they were invited by the Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities to discuss the issue with his staff.
   The report is being forwarded to the Federal Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities for his review and action.
   “The report confirms that integration of port activities in the Lower Mainland can enhance Canada’s competitiveness in the global trade environment, and is the most effective means of optimizing port planning, development and marketing,” said Vancouver Port Authority Chair George Adams.
   “One of the most important aspects in looking at the case for integration has been to ensure we had the support of our stakeholders,” said Fraser River Port Authority Chair Peter Podovinikoff. “The consultants interviewed many of our key stakeholders and it is apparent that the majority support integration.”
   “An integrated authority was recognized as the best structure to capitalize on the strengths of the three ports,” said North Fraser Port Authority Chair Doug Butterworth.