Transportation
MOU signed to develop Atlantic Gateway strategy (07/10/15)
NB 1321
Oct. 15, 2007
HALIFAX (CNB) - A memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the development of Canada's Atlantic Gateway has been signed by the four Atlantic Provinces and the federal government.
"The Government of Canada is delivering on its commitment to develop the country's trade gateways and corridors," said Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. "The Atlantic Gateway provides a significant opportunity to strengthen Canada's competitive position in international commerce. This MOU will provide the foundation for ongoing collaboration with the Atlantic provinces and other stakeholders to define a gateway approach that contributes to Canada's overall competitiveness."
"New Brunswick is very pleased to sign this agreement," said New Brunswick Transportation Minister Denis Landry. "This is a great opportunity for New Brunswick, the Atlantic Provinces, and all of Canada. We look forward to early action on the Atlantic Gateway because time is of the essence."
Landry joined representatives of the Government of Canada and the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island to sign the MOU.
The common vision of the five governments is to establish the Atlantic Gateway as a strategic, integrated and globally competitive transportation system, facilitating the movement of international commerce on North America's east coast.
"Canada's prosperity and quality of life depend on our success as a trading nation," said Peter MacKay, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "An Atlantic Gateway strategy will benefit the Atlantic region and all of Canada by taking advantage of the region's geographical position and transportation assets."
"Strengthening Nova Scotia's position in th competitive world of international commerce through the development of the Atlantic Gateway is a top priority for the provincial government," said Michael Baker, Nova Scotia's Minister of Finance. "Nova Scotia is committed to pursuing this extraordinary opportunity in collaboration with our provincial and federal partners."
"The benefits the Atlantic Gateway can provide this region are enormous," said Prince Edward Island's Minister of Transportation and Public Works, Ron MacKinley. "It will give businesses in Atlantic Canada, including Prince Edward Island, a far better opportunity to access trade markets worldwide. We applaud the federal government for recognizing Atlantic Canada as a vital part of Canada's economic and transportation future."
"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to be part of the ongoing discussions regarding the Atlantic Gateway and is committed to ensuring maximum benefits for our province," said Trevor Taylor, Newfoundland and Labrador's Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development.
07/10/15
EDITOR'S NOTE: Background information follows. MEDIA CONTACTS: Tracey Burkhardt, director of communications, New Brunswick Department of Transportation, 506-453-5634; Karine White, press secretary, Office of the Minister of Transport Infrastructure and Communities, 613- 991-0700; media relations, Transport Canada, 613-993-0055; Cindy McInnes, communications assistant, Office of the Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency; Shalon McLachlan, communications advisor, Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Public Works, 902-424-3289; Andrew Sprague, communications officer, P.E.I. Department of Transportation and Public Works, 902-368-5112; Scott Barfoot, director of communications, Newfoundland Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, 709-729-4570.
07/10/15
Backgrounder - Co-operation Agreement to develop an Atlantic Gateway strategy
The Province of New Brunswick has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Government of Canada, and the governments of New Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, that affirms each government's commitment to develop an Atlantic Gateway strategy.
This MOU provides the framework for collaboration between the Atlantic Provinces and the federal government. It reflects the established principles and governance structure of the Atlantic Gateway Federal-Provincial Officials Committee, which was established in January 2007 following an agreement among New Brunswick Transportation Minister Denis Landry, federal Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Minister Lawrence Cannon; Peter Mackay, Minister of National Defence and the Minister of ACOA, along with three other Atlantic Ministers of Transportation, to work collaboratively towards an Atlantic Gateway Strategy.
The MOU outlines the objectives for the development of an Atlantic Gateway strategy over the next 24 months, including analytical work required to map and assess the multi-modal transportation system in the region that supports international commerce activities.
The main components of the MOU include:
- A vision and objectives: a common vision of establishing the Atlantic Gateway as a strategic, integrated and globally competitive transportation system that facilitates the movement of international commerce.
- A governance structure that establishes the Atlantic Gateway Federal-Provincial Officials Committee as the key forum for collaboration.
- An action plan aligned with the National Policy Framework for Strategic Gateways and Trade Corridors, that will define with further precision, opportunities and challenges associated with increased trade volumes, including identifying potential impacts on the transportation system. Potential measures including international marketing and promotion, are identified as priorities for optimizing the effectiveness and exploitation of the gateway.
The success of the gateway approach depends upon partnerships and collaboration, not only across modes of transportation but also across the public and private sectors. For this reason, the MOU also identifies the need to engage the private sector and other interested stakeholders. This effort will build on existing relationships with key regional organizations and associations, while tapping into expertise in the private sector, labour groups and academia.
A copy of the MOU can be viewed online.
07/10/15