MP Tweed addresses transportation and innovation at the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in North America annual conference

OTTAWA, April 30, 2012 /CNW/ - Merv Tweed, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris and Chair of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today addressed the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in North America (CILTNA) Annual Transportation Situation and Outlook Conference. MP Tweed spoke on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec.

"Our government's top priority is the economy," said MP Tweed. "Through effective policy and working together with organizations like CILTNA, we are helping businesses succeed, creating jobs and ensuring the right conditions for long-term prosperity."

During the conference, several topics were discussed, including trade and transportation trends, promoting competitiveness and efficient supply chains.

In his speech, MP Tweed highlighted the importance of transportation as a pillar of Canada's economy that supports productivity, job creation and economic growth. "Transportation connects the country from coast to coast to coast. It connects workers with jobs, travellers with destinations and products with markets," he said.

He also underlined the significant role innovation, particularly advanced technologies, can play in ensuring Canada's transportation sector continues to enable trade and economic growth. "Innovation is a key part of ensuring that we have a modern, efficient and reliable transportation system to meet the needs of the future and position Canada more competitively on the world stage."

CILTNA provides a network of contacts; promotes the exchange of information on all aspects affecting the performance and evolution of the transportation system through seminars, workshops and conferences; and collaborates with other private and public organizations (including governments and academic institutions) on training. It also promotes public recognition of excellence in the profession. Members come from all areas of professional activity and include those involved in supply chain management, dispute resolution, policy and strategic planning, warehousing, operations and client services, as well as academics, consultants and key decision makers.

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Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
and Minister of the Economic Agency of Canada
for the Regions of Quebec
Ottawa
613-991-0700

Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055