Government of Canada invests in Atlantic Gateway efficiency and competitiveness in New Brunswick

SALISBURY, NB, May 16, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Minister for the Atlantic Gateway and Regional Minister for New Brunswick, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, along with the Honourable Claude Williams, New Brunswick Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, today announced funding to support safe, secure, efficient and environmentally responsible transportation in New Brunswick.

"A strong and efficient transportation sector is critical to Canada's future economic growth. I am proud that our government is supporting these projects, which will improve the Atlantic Gateway's supply chain efficiency, and reduce delays and fuel consumption for commercial vehicle operations," said Minister Ashfield. "The Government of Canada is committed to continue working with its provincial and private-sector partners to implement the Atlantic Gateway and Trade Corridor Strategy, which will help position Atlantic Canada as a key entry point into North America."

Advanced technologies make it possible to improve operational safety, security, efficiency and environmental responsibility without changing the existing infrastructure," said Minister Williams. "Ultimately, improving commercial vehicle operations ensures a competitive industry and a more efficient Atlantic Gateway transportation network."

The Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick are contributing funding for new Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) towards the following projects:

• The Commercial Vehicle Preclearance System for compliant vehicles will reduce the number of times vehicles need to stop at inspection stations, saving time and reducing fuel usage.
• The Online Special Moves Permitting System will modernize and streamline the process for the trucking industry to apply for and receive special permits for moving over-sized and over-dimension loads - saving time for both industry and government, and providing a one-stop, online portal for users in both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
• The Provincial ITS Architecture planning document will identify opportunities for improved integration and information/data sharing for a safer, more efficient and more effective transportation network.

The total cost of these projects is estimated at $427,000, with the federal government contributing up to $210,000 under the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program. In addition, the Province of New Brunswick is providing $217,000 towards the completion of these projects.

Under the ITS Strategic Plan for Canada, En Route to Intelligent Mobility, the Government of Canada committed to advancing the development and deployment of innovative technologies across Canada.  To date, about 200 technology projects have received funding under this plan, totalling over $30 million.

Technology and Innovation is also a key component of the joint federal-provincial Atlantic Gateway and Trade Corridor Strategy.  More information on Canada's Atlantic Gateway can be found at www.atlanticgateway.gc.ca.

SOURCE: Transport Canada

Barbara Mottram
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Keith Ashfield
Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, Ottawa
613-992-3474

Judy Cole
Director of Communications
New Brunswick Department of Transportation and
Infrastructure
506-453-5634

Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055

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