Lower Mainland port integration process begins

OTTAWA — Lower Mainland B.C.’s three major port authorities will amalgamated soon, Transport Canada announced.

The Vancouver, Fraser River, and North port authorities would combine and continue as one port authority, to be called the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.

This certificate was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I on Saturday, June 16, 2007 — the first step toward amalgamation.

“Integration of these ports is a key policy measure under Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative,” said Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon. “It could also enhance Canada’s competitiveness in the global trade environment, and may be the most effective means of maximizing port efficiencies and optimizing port planning.”

An amalgamation of these ports enables a corporate management approach to taking advantage of emerging business opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region, and positions them to better respond to changing market pressures, says David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway.