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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
VANCOUVER – The Government of Canada, The Province of British Columbia, Port Metro Vancouver, TransLink, local municipalities, and the private sector are partnering to invest in excess of $225 million in five infrastructure improvements on the North Shore that will enhance rail and port operations and build Canada’s Pacific Gateway.
The Honourable
Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the
Asia-Pacific Gateway, and Premier Gordon Campbell, joined key stakeholders in
Vancouver to announce funding for projects along the North Shore of Burrard
Inlet.
“The Government of
Canada is proud to commit up to $75 million to these infrastructure projects
along Burrard Inlet’s North Shore through Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway and
Corridor Initiative,” said Day. “Most commodities imported and exported on the
North Shore are directly related to trade with the Asia-Pacific region.
Improving transportation infrastructure in this area will create jobs in the
community and strengthen Canada’s competitive position in international
commerce.”
“Our commitment of $62
million to these projects builds on the $15 billion in improvements Pacific
Gateway partners are already funding to make Canada’s Pacific Gateway the
gateway of choice for Asia-Pacific shippers,” said Premier Campbell. “The North
Shore is a growing centre for trade and economic activity here in B.C. Through
these investments we are improving access to ports and railways, and moving to
seize job-creation opportunities as we strengthen our trading connections
overseas.”
“This is an excellent example of how building for the future with sustainable growth can be realized through cooperation among all levels of government and the private sector,” said Port Metro Vancouver president and CEO Robin Silvester. “As an integral part of the Asia-Pacific Gateway, the North Shore Trade Area will not only result in significant community and environmental benefits, it will enhance economic development throughout the region.”
“TransLink’s contribution to road improvements in the North Shore Trade Area are totally in line with our ongoing program to fund and manage Metro Vancouver’s major arterial road network in a way that promotes efficient goods movement and sustains a healthy economy in our region,” said TransLink Chief Executive Officer Tom Prendergast.
“CN is pleased to be part of this comprehensive initiative to enhance the movement of goods through the North Shore Trade Area,” said Jim Vena, senior vice-president, Western Canada. “These projects, combined with CN’s ongoing investments in its own equipment and facilities, will help make the Pacific Gateway an even more competitive option for the movement of freight into and out of North America”
“Canadian Pacific is pleased to partner in the revitalization of Vancouver’s North Shore Trade Area, enhancing the long-term viability of Canadian potash, coal, grain, and other bulk exports,” said Jane O’Hagan, senior vice-president of Strategy and Yield. “This is an excellent example of government and the private sector working together to increase our global competitiveness through a world class port.”
“On behalf
of the North Shore Trade Area terminals, I applaud the governments for their
leadership in facilitating the improvement of the North Shore rail
corridor,” said Jim Belsheim, president of Neptune Bulk Terminals (Canada) Ltd.
“These projects reflect the importance of bulk and breakbulk exports, which are
fundamental to the future economic health of Western Canada and Canada as a
whole.”
“The City is very pleased to continue support of our waterfront industries through a project that will deliver significant operating efficiencies and capacity increases for those industries and economic development opportunities for Port Metro Vancouver and we are proud of the contribution that the City of North Vancouver is able to make to improve Canada’s economic capacity,” said Mayor Darrell Mussatto.
“North Vancouver District is pleased to be working closely in partnership with other levels of government, the rail companies, Port and industry on both the Brooksbank underpass and Pemberton overpass projects to achieve economic and social benefits for our waterfront businesses and the community,” said Mayor Richard Walton.
In addition to the projects announced today, Transport Canada continues to work with public and private stakeholders, including the Province of British Columbia, to advance other transportation improvement projects at the western end of the North Shore of Burrard Inlet.
On Oct. 11, 2006, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative (APGCI), with an initial investment of $591 million. A further commitment of $410 million was made in Budget 2007, bringing total federal funding for the APGCI to more than $1 billion. In two years, the Government of Canada has partnered with British Columbia and other western provinces, municipalities and the private sector, to announce strategic infrastructure projects worth more than $2.4 billion, including federal contributions of almost $900 million.
The Province of B.C. has partnered
with public and private sector agencies to expand, upgrade and promote an integrated
network of seaports, airports, railways, roadways and border crossings as
Canada’s Pacific Gateway. Together, in total value, all partners are investing
$15 billion in improvements to make B.C. the gateway of choice for Asia-Pacific
shippers.
For more information about Canada's Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative, please visit www.apgci.gc.ca online.
For more
information about British Columbia: Canada’s Pacific Gateway, please visit www.th.gov.bc.ca/PacificGateway/index.htm
online.
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Director of Communications Office of the Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway 613 992-6186
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Press Secretary Office of the Premier 604 307-7177
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Transport Canada, Ottawa 613 993-0055
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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