Ottawa, Atlantic provinces ink deal on gateway strategy

HALIFAX — The much-ballyhooed concept of a dedicated Atlantic Gateway got a major boost this past weekend, as Ottawa, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the development of Canada’s Atlantic Gateway.

The Atlantic Gateway is planned as a strategic, integrated and globally competitive transportation system, facilitating the movement of international commerce on North America’s east coast.

“(Canada) is delivering on its commitment to develop the country’s trade gateways and corridors. This milestone collaboration, advanced in the spirit of open federalism, is an opportunity to strengthen Canada’s competitive position in international commerce,” said Lawrence Cannon, minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.

Added MP 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.”

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 success of the gateway approach, says the government, depends upon partnerships and collaboration, not only across modes of transportation but also across the public and private sectors. The MOU, therefore, identifies the need to engage the private sector and other interested stakeholders.

Cannon says the Conservatives’ “Building Canada” infrastructure plan, with a budget of $33 billion between 2007 and 2014, improves the flow of goods between Canada and the rest of the world by enhancing infrastructure at key locations, such as major border crossings between Canada and the U.S.