Transport Minister encourages marine transportation industry to act on opportunities to increase competitiveness

BELLEDUNE, NB, Aug. 18, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, today spoke of the important role Canada's marine ports play in supporting trade and economic growth in a speech to the 56^th annual conference of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities, hosted by the Belledune Port Authority.

Building on this year's conference theme of 'Anchors Away', Minister Raitt highlighted the opportunities and challenges in global shipping for Canada's ports, while promoting the importance of women – their contributions and potential for shaping the future of the transportation industry.

Minister Raitt announced changes that will allow all Canada Port Authorities (CPAs) to enter into long-term lease agreements and use the lands they manage to generate increased revenues to support future port plans. This change is part of a commitment to ensure all CPAs have consistent lease terms.      

Minister Raitt further noted recent government efforts supporting port development, sustainability and efficiency - be it infrastructure investments under Canada's Gateways or Canada's $53 billion New Building Canada Plan, amendments to the Marine Transportation Security Regulations to bring greater clarity and consistency for marine operators, the introduction of Canada's World-Class Tanker Safety System to ensure we can transport our goods in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, or the independent review of the Canada Transportation Act, currently underway, which will look at how we can improve port governance and service delivery models as well as how to support a sustainable northern transportation system.

The Association of Canadian Port Authorities is dedicated to the advocacy and advancement of Canadian ports. The conference brings together groups representing ports, shippers and related marine interests.

Quick Facts

• Canada's transportation system includes more than 240 marine ports and harbours, which provide access to three oceans and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System (2012 data).
• Canada's transportation system supported the export of approximately $471.4 billion in Canadian merchandise in 2013.

Quote

"As a former member of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities and former President and Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Port Authority, I know firsthand that ports need to continuously improve supply chain efficiency, reliability, and security to stay competitive in the continuously evolving world of global commerce. As Canada's Transport Minister, I am committed to helping the marine shipping sector build safe, secure, environmentally responsible and efficient transportation for the future."

The Honourable Lisa Raitt
Minister of Transport

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SOURCE: Transport Canada

Jana Régimbal, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, Ottawa, 613-991-0700; Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055