MINISTER DAY REPORTS PROGRESS ON THE ASIA-PACIFIC GATEWAY

VANCOUVER, Oct 1 /CNW/ - The Honourable Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today hosted a roundtable with key Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative (APGCI) industry stakeholders to discuss ways to build on the initiative's success. As part of the event, the Minister tabled a copy of the APGCI's midterm report that outlines its progress to date and the outlook for its future.

"To ensure the APGCI's continued success, I met with those who are crucial to its future development, including shippers, railway representatives, port authorities and terminal operators. Their ideas will be valuable as we move forward in the second phase of the initiative," said Minister Day. "The participants were pleased with the progress we have made. They emphasized how the partnership model has been the key to the APGCI's success."

Here are a few highlights of the report:

• Over $3.5 billion worth of projects have been announced, including federal contributions of over $1.4 billion.
• Several key infrastructure projects have already been completed, such as the Simon Fraser Bridge in Prince George, the twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway through Banff and the opening of the Pitt River Bridge to traffic in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.

Minister Day also used this opportunity to present to the participants the revamped Pacific Gateway website that features an interactive project map showing status updates on all APGCI projects; all the latest resources and publications; and a brand new promotional video.

"This will be a valuable resource for our international and domestic partners to get real-time updates on our APGCI activities and progress," explained Minister Day.

To access the APGCI midterm report, events calendar, project map, promotional videos or other real-time information on the iniative and its projects, please visit the website at www.pacificgateway.gc.ca.

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ROUNDTABLE PARTICIPANTS

John Gibson, president and chief executive officer, Prince George Airport Authority

Mr. John Gibson has been the president and CEO of the Prince George Airport Authority since
July 1, 2009. He came to Prince George from the Hamilton International Airport, where he had held the position of vice-president of Marketing since 2001. Under his leadership, Hamilton saw a tremendous growth in both passenger and cargo business.

Eric Waltz, president, Global Container Terminals Canada

Mr. Eric Waltz joined the executive group at Global Container Terminals as president, Global Container Terminals Canada, in August 2009. He leads the Canadian operation and is responsible for the profit and loss, and day-to-day management of the two terminals in British Columbia, including Deltaport, the largest container terminal in the country.

Captain Kevin Obermeyer, president and chief executive officer, Pacific Pilotage Authority 

Captain Kevin Obermeyer joined Pacific Pilotage Authority in 1999 as director of Marine Operations, and became president and CEO in 2006. The principal mandate of the authority is to provide safe, reliable and efficient marine pilotage and related services in the coastal waters of British Columbia, including the Fraser River.

Tim Chapman, president, Western Stevedoring Company Ltd.

Mr. Tim Chapman has been with Western for more than 30 years, holding numerous positions within the organization prior to assuming the role of president in 1991. Mr. Chapman has an extensive background in the terminal and stevedoring business in British Columbia stemming from a career that spans more than 40 years. 

Matthew Hoag, general manager, DP World Canada, Inc.

Mr. Matthew Hoag became general manager of DP World Canada, Inc. in 2009. Under his leadership, the company has successfully increased marine productivity by over 35 per cent. DP World Canada operates the Centennial Container Terminal in downtown Vancouver and is part of DP World, which operates 50 ports in 30 different countries, with its flagship terminal in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Mike Cory, senior vice-president, western region, Canadian National Railway

Since 1981, Mr. Mike Cory has held various positions with CN, having worked in Customer Service and Marketing, and served as superintendent, general superintendent, director of Service Design and Network Operations superintendent. In January 2006, he became general manager of Operations for the Michigan subregion. In September 2006, Mr. Cory became assistant vice-president of Network Operations and then vice-president of Operations for the eastern region in June 2007, until his promotion to senior vice-president, eastern region, in November 2008. In April 2009, Mr. Cory was appointed senior vice-president, western region, based in Edmonton, Alberta.

Glen D. Vanstone, director, Cargo and Business Innovation, Edmonton Airports

Mr. Glen D. Vanstone has been the director, Cargo and Business Innovation, for Edmonton Airports since 2006. Author of the Port Alberta initiative, Mr. Vanstone is focused on aviation and commercial market growth, as well as competitive innovation in airport development.

Kaity Arsoniadis-Stein, president and secretary-general, International Ship-owners Alliance of Canada Inc.

Ms. Kaity Arsoniadis-Stein, LLB, LLM, president and secretary-general, International Ship-owners Alliance of Canada Inc. (ISAC) since 2006, is also a director of the International Maritime Centre, vice-president and director of the Vancouver Maritime Arbitrators Association, and trustee of Insurance Dispute Resolution Services of British Columbia. Ms. Arsoniadis-Stein drives forward ISAC's role to collaborate with government, international organizations, labour unions, business and environmental groups to advance the interests of shipowners and operators with a presence in Canada to ensure a safe, environmentally responsible and sustainable shipping industry.

Oksana Exell, executive director, Asia-Pacific Gateway Skills Table

Ms. Oksana Exell is the first executive director of the Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table, which was founded in 2008. Under her leadership, the partnership between labour, business and educational/training institutions has provided a platform for the cross-section of gateway stakeholders to share collective decision making and take action to ensure that there are labour resources to build and operate the gateway efficiently.  

Previously, Ms. Exell served as chief operating officer of a geoscience corporation and chief executive officer of a technology company. She was also the president and CEO of the British Columbia Trade Development Corporation, as well as the founder of the B.C. office of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. She has also served on a number of public and private boards, commissions and task forces.

Manley McLachlan, president and chief executive officer, British Columbia Construction Association

Mr. Manley McLachlan is an advocate of innovative human resources programming that links construction industry employers and employees. Under his leadership the British Columbia Construction Association has successfully developed the Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP), which includes the Immigrant Skilled Trades Employment Program, Step for Women, Aboriginal Skilled Trades Employment Program and the EU STEP program. This multi-targeted, multi-million dollar program has helped over 4,000 people find employment and training in the construction sector. Mr. McLachlan is the past industry co-chair of the Vancouver Aboriginal Strategic Employment Partnership (VanASEP) and current chair of the Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table.

Don Krusel, president and chief executive officer, Prince Rupert Port Authority

Mr. Don Krusel became president and chief executive officer of the Prince Rupert Port Authority in February 1992. He spearheaded the recent transformation of the Port of Prince Rupert into an internationally recognized intermodal gateway for North American trade. Prince Rupert has become one of the fastest-growing container ports and has recorded an increase in overall port tonnage of over 200 per cent in the last five years.

Ruth Sol, president, WESTAC

Ms. Ruth Sol has been with WESTAC for 25 years and was appointed president in 2003. WESTAC is a forum of senior stakeholders across all sectors of Western Canadian transportation: carriers, logistics service providers, ports and terminals, shippers, labour organizations and the three levels of government. Ms. Sol's extensive knowledge of the transportation industry, and her ability to guide a diverse and often competing membership towards collaboration, cement WESTAC's role as the catalyst of supply chain excellence in Western Canada.

Barry Rempel, president and chief executive officer, Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc.

Mr. Barry Rempel has been president and chief executive officer of Winnipeg Airports Authority since April 2002. His leadership has resulted in strong financial performance and a renewed commitment to customer and community service by the corporation. The Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport is well positioned for its airport redevelopment program, encompassing construction of a new airport terminal and future airport campus development.

Robert Landucci, president and chief executive officer, Ashcroft Terminal

Mr. Robert Landucci is the president and chief executive officer of Ashcroft Terminal, a 300-acre, rail-based logistics hub along the Southern Corridor and a party to the Asia-Pacific Gateway Initiative.

Brad Eshleman, vice-chair, Greater Vancouver Gateway Council, president of the British Columbia Wharf Operators' Association and vice-president, Finance, Western Stevedoring Company Limited

Mr. Brad Eshleman was appointed vice-chair of the Gateway Council in 2004, president of the British Columbia Wharf Operators' Association (BCWOA) in 2000 and vice-president, Finance, of Western Stevedoring in 1993. The Gateway Council and the BCWOA have played key roles in the promotion and expansion of the Asia-Pacific Gateway, including infrastructure investment, regional air, road and rail transportation, community awareness and port property taxation initiatives. Western Stevedoring is the largest and most diverse stevedoring company in B.C.

Jyalmen Sidhho, secretary treasurer, International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU)

Mr. Jyalmen Sidhho is currently serving his first term as the secretary treasurer of ILWU Canada, putting into practice his degree in business administration. Mr. Sidhho began work on the Vancouver Waterfront in 1978. He has worked in many facets of the industry, as a heavy-duty mechanic and a millwright, first as a casual and then as a Union member. Since 2001 he has served as an executive member of ILWU Local 500, and on various committees within the local, such as the Dispatch committee, the Trades committee, and the Membership and Grievance committee.

Larry Berg, president and chief executive officer, Vancouver Airport Authority 

Mr. Larry Berg commenced his business career in human resources management within the mining industry and was vice-president, Administration, for a major Canadian energy company prior to joining the airport authority.

Mr. Berg is a director of Vancouver Airport Authority and its subsidiary company, Vancouver Airport Services, which operates 19 airports within Canada and internationally. He has served as chair of the Greater Vancouver Gateway Council, the Business Council of British Columbia and the Canadian Airports Council. He has also held directorships on Canada Line Rapid Transit Inc. and the VGH-UBC Hospital Foundation, and is past president of Airports Council International, Asia-Pacific Region.

Ian Anderson, president, Kinder Morgan Canada

Mr. Ian Anderson is president of Kinder Morgan Canada, a business segment of Kinder Morgan, one of the largest pipeline transportation and energy storage companies in North America.

Mr. Anderson's responsibilities include providing executive leadership for Kinder Morgan's operating, growth and corporate responsibility in Canada. His current role in the oil pipeline sector in Canada is providing the company with the opportunity to participate in what is becoming one of the most competitive and fastest-growing segments of the energy economy.

John Law, chief executive officer, Global Transportation Hub Authority

Mr. John Law was appointed chief executive officer of the Global Transportation Hub Authority in December 2009. In this role, Mr. Law provides executive leadership to the physical development, business development and marketing of the Global Transportation Hub (GTH). He was the architect and has been the driving force behind the development of the GTH since its inception in 2006.

Mr. Law is a recognized leader in Canada's transportation sector. In July 2004, he was appointed deputy minister for the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure, the lead provincial agency responsible for transportation services, construction and policy. During this time, he played a significant role in the development of national and interprovincial transportation policy, serving as the president of the Transportation Association of Canada, as well as the Canadian Council of Deputy Ministers responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety.

Captain Stephen Brown, president, Chamber of Shipping of British Columbia

Captain Stephen Brown spent 21 years at sea, where he served as Master for the last five years, latterly with Gearbulk Shipping. Since coming ashore, he has worked in various levels of operational management for Gearbulk in South Africa, Indonesia, China, the UK and Canada.

In China, Captain Brown was stationed in the Port of Tianjin (Xingang), where he attended the construction of, and subsequently managed for three years, a joint venture break bulk terminal. He was the first foreigner permitted to work full-time in a major Chinese port. On leaving Gearbulk in 2007, Captain Brown joined Tidal Transport & Trading Ltd. as general manager for Canada and president of Tidal USA.

Prior to accepting the appointment to the Chamber of Shipping in September 2008, Captain Brown chaired various chamber committees, served on the chamber's board for eight years and was chairman of the board from February 2007 to July 2008.

Fred Green, president and chief executive officer, Canadian Pacific

Mr. Fred Green is leading Canadian Pacific (CP) in its drive to be the safest and most fluid railway in North America. He is spearheading improved productivity at CP through innovations like the Integrated Operating Plan.  

He was appointed president of CP in November 2005 and chief executive officer in May 2006. He is also chairman of the Railway Association of Canada and serves on the board of directors of TTX Company.

Bud Smith, chairman, Ridley Terminals

Mr. Bud Smith, QC, is a businessman and lawyer who has served in public office as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Kamloops, as Regional Economic Development Minister and as Attorney General of British Columbia. He is the current chairman of Ridley Terminals Inc. and has served as a director of the British Columbia Development Corporation, Canada Post Corporation, Prince Rupert Port Authority and several private-sector reporting companies.

Robin Silvester, president, chief executive officer, Port Metro Vancouver

Mr. Robin Silvester was appointed president and chief executive officer of Port Metro Vancouver in 2009, bringing to the position extensive international experience in both the ports and property sectors. Prior to joining the port authority, Mr. Silvester served as chief executive for the property and facilities management business United Group Services ANZ in Australia.

Mr. Silvester spent a significant portion of his career serving in senior roles internationally with P&O Ports. As chief development officer, he led the company's strategy and global acquisition program, including the businesses that became P&O Ports Canada. Having completed that acquisition, in 2003 Mr. Silvester was appointed the first president and CEO of P&O Ports Canada, based in Vancouver.

Jon Somers, vice-president, Marketing, Brazil, and vice-president, Planning and Development, Canpotex

Mr. Jon Somers began his career with Canpotex in 1995. In 2007 he was appointed vice-president, Planning and Development, overseeing capital projects. In 2010 he was also appointed vice-president, Marketing, Brazil. Canpotex is the world's largest exporter of potash, wholly owned by the Saskatchewan potash producers: Agrium Inc., The Mosaic Company and Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.

Andy Smith, president and chief executive officer, British Columbia Maritime Employers Association

Mr. Andy Smith is the president and chief executive officer of the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association, a multi-employer waterfront organization representing 68 shipowners and agents, stevedores, container, bulk and break bulk terminal operators on Canada's West Coast, extending from Victoria north to the Alaska border.

John Dewar, director, Vancouver Terminal Operations, Viterra Inc.

Viterra Inc. provides premium quality ingredients to leading global food manufacturers. Headquartered in Canada, the global agribusiness has extensive operations across Western Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand. Its growing international presence also extends to offices in Japan, Singapore, China, Switzerland and Italy. Its expertise, close relationships with producers, and logistical assets allow the company to consistently meet the needs of the most discerning end-use customers, helping to fulfil the nutritional needs of people around the world.

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For further information:

Mélisa Leclerc Director of Communications Office of the President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway 613-952-5051

Media Relations   Transport Canada, Ottawa   613-993-0055