July 20, 2012
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Today, the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, and the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport), on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced the Harper Government’s support to further develop CentrePort Canada, Manitoba’s inland port.
“Our Government recognizes that enhancing inland port facilities is crucial to attracting international investors, which results in the creation of jobs, growth, and long-term prosperity,” said Minister Toews. “This project builds on the achievements already realized by CentrePort Canada by adding assets to attract investors and build financial sustainability, setting it apart as an international transportation, manufacturing, distribution, warehousing and logistic hub.”
The Harper Government’s investment of $2.3 million enables CentrePort Canada Inc. to implement its strategic priorities of enhancing the inland port’s transportation assets, coordinating land development, and increasing targeted business and investment attraction activities. In addition, this investment will allow CentrePort to continue to provide “single-window” services for investors, which includes providing unique access to federal Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)-like programming, as well as continuing to promote increased trade and transportation along the Asia-Pacific Gateway, and the Mid-Continent Trade and Transportation Corridor.
“I would like to thank the federal government for its leadership and ongoing support for CentrePort Canada,” said Diane Gray, president and CEO of CentrePort Canada Inc. “Business interest in CentrePort is strong and today’s announcement will allow us to continue to work on generating investments and jobs for Manitoba, Western Canada and the country as a whole.”
CentrePort Canada is a 20,000-acre inland port and the first in the country to offer investors single-window access to Foreign Trade Zone-like benefits. Located in the heart of North America, CentrePort connects to major national and international trade gateways and corridors, and offers direct access to tri-modal transportation options including road, rail and air cargo.
Today’s funding announcement builds on previous support by the Harper Government, including cost-sharing the construction of CentrePort Canada Way and providing start-up costs of the new corporation. The Harper Government also established a task force to allow the corporation to offer unique, single-window access to FTZ-like benefits.
Western Economic Diversification Canada works to create jobs and economic growth for Western Canada. By promoting new economic opportunities, WD is securing a more diverse and prosperous future for the West while advancing western interests at the national level.
