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- Part 2: Where we are Today
Part 2: Where we are Today
The Global Economy and the APGCI
During the recent global economic downturn, all developed countries experienced declines in total trade. 2009 was also one of the most difficult years for those in the shipping industry.
In response to this economic downturn, Canada has put in place its Economic Action Plan. Through it, we’re strengthening Canada’s cities and communities by making important and needed infrastructure investments.
The plan provided the blueprint for economic growth and stimulated economic activity by investing $12 billion in new infrastructure. This has resulted in job creation in every province and territory, including the western provinces.
Today, the International Monetary Fund and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development predict that Canada’s economic growth will be at the head of the pack in the industrialized world for both this year and next.
While we are focused on jobs and growth, we have built infrastructure for the 21st century. This is how we have ensured Canada’s long-term trade growth and prosperity for future generations.
At the Halfway Point
Our hard work and investments are starting to pay off. Our Gateway approach is receiving attention from the international community as an innovative partnership model. Strengthened by ministerial visits and targeted outreach to key markets, our message is being heard.
At this halfway point, the report card is very impressive. We have made all of our infrastructure commitments, with many shovels already in the ground and other projects scheduled to start soon.
We are also working on a range of non-infrastructure measures to make the Asia-Pacific Gateway more competitive.
Federal Funding for Completed Projects and Projects Underway
$1.4 billion for infrastructure projects announced in four western provinces: BC, AB, SK and MB
- Highway and road improvements stretching over thousands of kilometres of transportation trade routes
- Bridge expansions
- Rail/road grade separations
- Short-sea shipping projects
- Regional Traffic Management Centre
$57 million for competitiveness measures such as:
- International marketing
- Public engagement
- Stakeholder consultations
- Marine contaciner inspection program
- Asia-Pacific Gateway Skills Table
- Gateway Performance Table
- Value-Added Gateway project
- Performance indicators
- System analysis
- Air cargo mapping
What does this mean for Canadians?
Canadians should be very proud of this made-in-Canada initiative because it helps Canadians from all walks of life. Consider, for example, the lumber mill workers, marine port employees and coal miners in B.C.; the ranchers in Alberta; the potash miners in Saskatchewan; and the pork producers in Manitoba. Wherever people live in Western Canada, and whatever they do, they benefit from the APGCI.
Canada’s investment in the APGCI:
- helps Canadian companies tap into new and expanded markets;
- generates new business opportunities and creates thousands of new jobs for Canadians by increasing trade volumes and related services;
- gives western Canadians opportunities that create strong communities with a high quality of life;
- moves traffic more efficiently in communities across the Asia-Pacific corridor, from Winnipeg to Prince Rupert, meaning fewer traffic jams, less pollution and safer travel;
- drives higher-value economic activities in Canada and particularly in Western Canada through partnerships with the Asia-Pacific region’s rapidly growing economies; and
- results in Canadians across the country paying less for products that are made in the Asia-Pacific region and that are shipped using this very efficient trade transportation system.
The APGCI’s investment in the Asia-Pacific Gateway is helping to make Canada’s economy stronger, create jobs and generate wealth — now and in the future.
“ The federal government’s focus on the Asia-Pacific Gateway capacity and fluidity is critical to improving supply chain performance across a large number of sectors. CN understands the importance of efficient gateways and plays an important role in this regard. Enhancing our ability to trade with the Asia-Pacific region will benefit all stakeholders and the Canadian economy as a whole.”
— Claude Mongeau, CN President and Chief Executive Officer
What does this mean to our trading partners?
The Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Advantage
√ Saves up to three days’ sailing time from Asia to Canada over other North American ports
√ Benefits from Prince Rupert and Vancouver’s 3.6-million TEU combined container capacity
√ Takes advantage of port dwell times consistently shorter than those at other North American West Coast ports
√ Chooses from three major railways in Canada and the United States
√ Gets goods to Chicago from Prince Rupert and Vancouver in just over 100 hours
√ Benefits from a Canada-U.S. border that is smart, secure and efficient
√ Enjoys efficient and reliable service at Canada’s congestionfree airports
“ The Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative has helped to increase business through port facilities at the Port of Prince Rupert. We’ve seen an increase in all cargos being shipped. We’ve also had an increase in inquiries from many Pacific Rim countries wishing to do business through the Port of Prince Rupert. Most recently, there has been significant growth in container shipping.”
— Mayor Jack Mussallem, Prince Rupert, B.C.