No. H 048/09
For release - March 27, 2009
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 Minister 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 B.C. Premier Gordon 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 the job-creation opportunities created 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 Robin Silvester, President and Chief Executive Officer, Port Metro Vancouver. "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.
On October 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.
For more information about British Columbia: Canada's Pacific Gateway, visit www.th.gov.bc.ca/PacificGateway/index.htm.
A backgrounder highlighting details of the projects being advanced is attached.
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