No. P 003/07
For release June 1, 2007
OTTAWA - The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of
Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis
and Non-Status Indians, and the Honourable David Emerson, Minister of
International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the
Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, today announced the appointment
of Mr. Robert S. Plecas as a special representative to assist the federal
government in discussions with First Nations on the Prince Rupert Port
Authority's Fairview Container Terminal project.
"I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Plecas," said Minister
Cannon. "His appointment signals the government's continued commitment to
try and resolve First Nations concerns over Prince Rupert's new container
terminal."
"Ensuring that Aboriginal people have access to economic opportunities that
result in real and tangible benefits is key to creating healthy, sustainable
communities," said Minister Prentice. "The appointment of Mr. Plecas will
assist Canada's New Government in productive discussions with local First
Nation communities on this project as we work towards a long term solution."
"Prince Rupert represents tremendous potential, both to Canada and to
international shippers, and we need to ensure it retains its reputation as a
competitive and efficient port," said Minister Emerson. "It's important that
we have constructive and open dialogue so that all stakeholders in Prince
Rupert, including the First Nations community, can benefit from a developed
container terminal."
Working with the local First Nations communities, Mr. Plecas will look at
their outstanding concerns regarding Phase I of the Fairview Container
Terminal project including employment and training, business opportunities,
and financial considerations. He will also identify issues and protocols for
Phase II of the project. Mr. Plecas will submit his recommendations to the
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities within 90 days.
Mr. Plecas is a government relations consultant and the former President of
the B.C. Lumber Trade Council. He worked for more than 20 years as a civil
servant in the British Columbia provincial government. He served under six
premiers, as deputy minister for 25 ministers in 10 portfolios. He is the
author of over 20 major pieces of provincial legislation.
The Government of Canada is investing $30 million in the construction of
the new Fairview terminal and up to $28 million in a Customs Marine
Container Program to help ensure secure and efficient border services for
the terminal.
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Contacts:
Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport,
and Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Jennifer Chiu
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Infrastructure
International
Trade and Minister for the
Pacific Gateway and the
Vancouver-Whistler Olympics,
Ottawa
613-371-1557
Deirdra McCracken
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Indian
and Northern Affairs and Federal I
nterlocutor
for Métis and
Non-Status Indians, Gatineau
819-997-0002
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at apps.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.
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