The Government of Canada is investing in the development of a strategic plan to help position Port Alberta as a major North American inland trade and transportation hub.
The Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding of $1.5 million toward the plan today.
"This investment marks an important step toward building the foundation needed to make Port Alberta a reality and success," said Minister Ambrose. "This investment will help develop a blueprint that will bring the Port Alberta concept to life and create an industry-led council to provide leadership for the initiative."
Port Alberta has the potential to transform Edmonton Region into a major North American warehousing and distribution hub that combines air, rail and road transportation infrastructure with links to Asia and the United States.
"Edmonton is a key inland staging area for trade between Asia and North America, so investing in Port Alberta is an investment in the future of the Edmonton Region," said Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel. "As the global port to the oilsands, Edmonton's future as an inland port is key to Canada's economic prosperity."
The funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada will support the building blocks of research, partnership and plans that will contribute to developing a strong and vibrant Port Alberta. The project will identify opportunities for Port Alberta, determine the economic impact and develop an action plan to ensure established targets are met.
"This new funding is vital to developing Port Alberta and positioning Edmonton International Airport, as part of this vital regional initiative, to become a major cargo processing centre, capable of hosting multiple modes of transportation and acting as a catalyst for advancing global trade and distribution across the region," said Reg Milley, President and CEO of Edmonton Airports. "Onsite warehouse and logistics facilities will serve North America's growing trade through NAFTA and with Asia and Europe."
Western Canada and Alberta are well positioned-both geographically and economically-to take advantage of changing dynamics in the global economy. The Edmonton region, in particular, has the potential to become a major North American trade and transportation hub between Asia and North America.
"Alberta's business environment just got better," said Martin Salloum, President and CEO of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. "In an ever-changing global environment, the communities that will survive over the long run are those that can effectively work together towards a common goal. Twenty years from now, residents of the Edmonton Capital Region will see a more diverse, dynamic economy thanks in part to the Port Alberta partnership and the investment made today by the Government of Canada."
Efforts to develop Port Alberta were initiated by Edmonton Airports in June 2006. Along with the Airport, the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation and the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce have formed a partnership to champion and direct the initiative. The City of Edmonton has also been a strong advocate for Port Alberta.
"Alberta's vibrant economic growth is based on efficient access to North American and world markets," said Ron Gilbertson, president and CEO of Edmonton Economic Development Corporation. "Port Alberta will coordinate a strategy to optimize Greater Edmonton's road, rail and runway infrastructure so local industry can maximize growth internationally with new export and back-haul opportunities with Asian markets as well as service vital regional markets in Northern Alberta and the far North. Port Alberta will play a vital role in supporting the growth of companies currently in our region and attracting the firms necessary to help support and sustain our ongoing economic growth."
Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to stimulate and encourage diversification of the western economy. It also represents the interests of the West in national decision-making.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Donna Kinley
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Phone: (780) 495-6892
Cell: (780) 991-7432
Yuri Wuensch
Manager, Media Relations
Edmonton Chamber of Commerce
Phone: (780) 409-2141
E-mail:wuensch@edmontonchamber.com
www.edmontonchamber.com
Michelle Mondeville
Senior Communications Advisor
Government and Public Affairs
City of Edmonton
Phone: (780) 442-5290
Cell: (780) 619-7246
Jim Rudolph
Corporate Communications Manager
Edmonton Airports
Phone: (780) 890-8454
Cell: (780) 717-5117
E-mail: jrudolph@edmontonairports.com
www.edmontonairports.com
Kenn Bur
Director of Communications
Edmonton Economic Development Corp.
Phone: (780) 917-7659
E-mail: kbur@edmonton.com
