OTTAWA – Brian Jean, MP for Fort McMurray – Athabasca, welcomed the announcement that Canada’s New Government is making a significant financial contribution to the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative to help ensure Canada’s long-term economic competitiveness and prosperity.

“This announcement is proof of Canada’s New Government’s commitment to making our country a key player in the global economy. Our goal is to establish the Gateway as the foremost transportation and supply chain system between North America and Asia. Ultimately, this Initiative is an investment in our communities, our province and in Canada; something this new Government has become extremely successful in doing over the past nine months, says Brian Jean.”

In Vancouver, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced a federal commitment totaling $591 million for over a dozen Pacific Gateway projects. The goal is to help Canada capture a larger share of the West Coast shipping market.

A total of $321 million will be immediately committed to a variety of infrastructure, transportation technology and border security projects in Western Canada, which are scheduled to be completed within four years.

As a result of these efforts, container traffic at British Columbia’s major commercial ports is expected to rise to 7 million units annually by 2020, boosting Canada’s share of West Coast container traffic from 9 to 14 per cent.

The Prime Minister also noted that improving our international transportation and trade links will lead to more business opportunities and jobs for all Canadians.



For more information, please contact: Brian Jean (613) 992-1154 or (780) 743-2201

Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada: (613) 759-1000