July 30, 2009
Richmond, British Columbia
The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia Pacific Gateway, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, today announced federal support for the Greater Vancouver Gateway Council to increase air cargo activity in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.
"Our Government is working to open new markets for Canadian business, and strengthening British Columbia's trade corridors is part of this ambitious trade agenda," said Minister Day. "We're building a more competitive economy and creating new jobs and opportunities in the region."
With this federal investment of $230,000, the Greater Vancouver Gateway Council will commission a series of studies focused on the air cargo trade. This work will provide local airports and industry with the information required to increase air cargo trade through B.C.'s Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, and support efforts to translate cargo market opportunities into positive economic impacts for the region.
In addition to federal funding, support from the Province of British Columbia, the Vancouver International Airport Authority, the Abbotsford Airport Authority and Translink will contribute to the total cost of the project.
"Our geographic location provides a significant competitive advantage as the ideal gateway connecting the Asia-Pacific Region with North America," said B.C. Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Shirley Bond. "Increasing air cargo traffic will support the long-term vision of British Columbia as the preferred gateway for Asia Pacific trade."
"Our Council has undertaken a number of studies that involved road, rail and marine transportation over the past few years", said Larry Berg, Chair of the Council and President and CEO of Vancouver International Airport Authority. "With this investment by the Federal Government and our other funding partners, we will be in a position to examine all of the opportunities that increased air cargo volumes will provide for this Region."
The Greater Vancouver Gateway Council is a non-profit organization formed in 1994. Its vision is to position Greater Vancouver as the Gateway of Choice for North America, by capitalizing on opportunities from expanding world trade and tourism. The Gateway Council includes members from industry, government and academia.
Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.
For additional information, contact:
Donna Howes
Communications Manager, British Columbia
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 604-666-1318
Cell: 604-505-6616
Bob Wilds
Managing Director
Greater Vancouver Gateway Council
604 306-3010
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1 877 303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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