No. H111/12
For release - October 18, 2012
WINDSOR, ONTARIO – The Harper government has introduced legislation to expedite the Detroit River International Crossing (DRIC) project. The legislation, known as the Bridge to Strengthen Trade Act, will ensure the successful and timely construction of the new bridge between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan.
“The construction of this bridge to strengthen trade and generate new investment opportunities is a top priority for the Harper government,” said the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “We are working to advance the project as quickly as possible to ensure continued job creation, economic growth and long-term prosperity.”
“This legislation is necessary to complete the new bridge between Windsor and Detroit in a timely manner,” said Jeff Watson, Member of Parliament for Essex. “A new crossing will enhance the region’s economic potential, make our manufacturers more competitive and create new jobs in Windsor and Essex County.”
“Many businesses in Chatham-Kent and Leamington depend on an efficient Windsor-Detroit border,” added Dave Van Kesteren, Member of Parliament for Chatham-Kent—Essex. “We need to get this new crossing completed without delay so that local businesses and farms can continue to reach existing and new markets in the United States.”
This legislation also supports the establishment of a crossing authority by Canada as stipulated in the Canada-Michigan Crossing Agreement which was signed on June 15, 2012.
Canada and the United States operate the largest trading partnership in the history of the planet. Every day, almost 400,000 people and almost two billion dollars of goods and services cross the border. The vast majority of bilateral trade crosses the border by land – much of it at Detroit-Windsor. The new Detroit River International Crossing will speed up the movement of international trade and ensure that this strategic corridor remains efficient and secure.
The new bridge will also reduce congestion at this critical Canada-U.S. border crossing, support the creation of new export-related jobs and investment opportunities along the Quebec City–Windsor Corridor, increase the competitiveness of the North American manufacturing sector, and generate thousands of construction jobs in Ontario and Michigan.
The new crossing is also a key component of the Continental Gateway and Trade Corridor and further demonstrates that the Government of Canada is working to advance the goals of the Action Plan on Perimeter Security and Economic Competiveness announced by Prime Minister Harper and President Obama in December 2011.
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Contacts:
Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons living with visual disabilities.
October 18, 2012
Backgrounder - Bridge to Strengthen Trade Act
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