News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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Prime Minister Harper launches Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative

October 11, 2006
Vancouver

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced 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.

“Our country is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the spectacular growth that is occurring in the Asia-Pacific region,” the Prime Minister said. “Canada should be the crossroads between the massive economy of the United States and the burgeoning economies of Asia.”

The Prime Minister announced federal contributions 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.

“This is a massive undertaking. It is a collaborative effort involving all levels of government and the private sector,” the Prime Minister stated, adding that private sector firms have committed over $3 billion in related capital investment in Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor-related projects between 2004 and 2010.

Prime Minister Harper noted that 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.

“Improving our international transportation and trade links will lead to more business opportunities and jobs for British Columbians and all Canadians,” the Prime Minister said. “It will help us reclaim Canada’s role as a serious competitor and entrepreneurial leader in the world.”

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The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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