Opening of the Canada Pavilion

September 17, 2007

Paris, France -  On behalf of Canada's Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Lawrence Cannon, I am very pleased to be among you today to inaugurate the Canada Pavilion.

I would like to welcome the provincial ministers who are joining us in this mission as well as companies and exhibitors from every region of Canada.

This event is a vibrant demonstration of open federalism, which we have been promoting since we formed Canada’s new Government — federalism that is based on exceptional collaboration inspired by the spirit that gave birth to the Canadian federation.

I am told that with Quebec, Canada’s pavilions cover 370 square metres, making it the largest national pavilion in this Congress.

We are introducing to the whole world nearly 50 exhibitors who excel in the area of road infrastructure and transport.

This trade mission is organized by Transport Canada and the Canadian National Committee of the World Road Association.

In total, more than 200 Canadians, from the federal, provincial and territorial governments, private companies, associations, research communities and universities are in Paris for this 23rd World Road Congress.

We are in Paris to offer our expertise to the world and to receive the latest developments surrounding state of the art techniques and best practices in the area of roads and road infrastructure.

The Canada Pavilion is, in fact, a networking tool and I invite all Canadian participants to make this pavilion a meeting place throughout the Congress — visit the booths and meet your international counterparts.

The Pavilion is designed to attract visitors and promote the flow of traffic — it is open and inviting.

Our theme could not be more appropriate — the Trans-Canada Highway — the longest national highway in the world.

It is the theme connecting the booths, just like the Trans-Canada Highway is the road link connecting our country.
 
Our National Highway System is almost as impressive as our territory — 38,021 kilometres of main and secondary roads linking all regions of Canada.

This is an amazing phenomenon since it all happened in less than 100 years.

Canadians in the roads business live day-to-day with the challenges of harsh climate, long distances and economic realities that sometimes impede the rapid development that we would have in an ideal world.

We all understand the essential link between sound road infrastructure, trade, economic prosperity, and quality of life.

For this reason the Government of Canada is ensuring that the conditions — that is, the policies and legislation — are in place to facilitate your relationships with your suppliers, your clients and your business partners.

We are committed to work with our Canadian and international partners to promote our gateways abroad as efficient entry and exit points to and from the North American market.

This event is another initiative to assist you in establishing your presence in international markets.

We are delighted with your participation and hope that you will avail yourself of all opportunities that this Congress offers.

I speak on behalf of all Canadians here when I say that we are proud to participate in this Centennial Congress of the World Road Association.

I invite all Congress participants to visit the Canada Pavilion to discover our road infrastructure and road transport expertise.

I would also like to take this opportunity to invite you to the World Road Association's next meeting in 2010 in Québec City, which will host the 13th Winter Road Congress.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I declare the Canada Pavilion, our window into world infrastructure and transport, officially open.

Enjoy the Congress!