Western Canada plays a vital role in building stronger
trade connections between North America and Asia.
The Government of Canada is working closely with public
and private sector partners to capitalize on opportunities
through the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative.
Projects such as building bridges, extending highways,
and improving infrastructure and logistics
at Canada's marine, air and inland ports
are all part of this initiative.
The Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Railway
Companies, in partnership with the federal Government,
are investing heavily to enhance rail capacity,
which will benefit the entire Pacific Gateway
and its corridor.
The Roberts Bank Rail Corridor project
is a prime example of this.
The new road-rail grade separations for the Roberts
Bank Rail Corridor will enhance the efficiency
and safety of rail operations and help accommodate
the anticipated growth in trade-related traffic.
They will also provide quality of life and environmental
benefits to neighbouring communities by improving
the flow of community traffic and reducing the idling
of vehicles, energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Prince Rupert's Fairview Terminal is another key part
of the vision for Canada's Pacific Gateway.
The Government of Canada has invested twenty-eight million
dollars in a Marine Container Customs Program
at the Fairview Terminal to ensure secure
and efficient border services.
The Fairview Terminal was the first port built with enhanced
security specifications following Nine-Eleven,
making it one of the safest
and most secure ports in the world.
The Government of Canada is funding a number of short-sea
shipping projects on the west coast.
Projects like these move marine cargo between
relatively close points...
...reducing road congestion, increasing throughput capacity
at marine terminals, and increasing overall system
capacity for trade between Asia and North America
They will form an integrated network that could potentially
carry up to three million metric tons per year.
Western Canada is crucial to the success of Canada's
Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor.
Development projects underway in Western provinces
are ensuring that intermodal transportation in Canada is
safe, reliable, and efficient.
Canada's Pacific Gateway is Strengthening Western Canada.