SEARCH NEWS
TRANSPORTATION: Ottawa investing $1.5 million in plan to develop Port Alberta
        (AlbertaIndex, March 25, Tuesday) --- The Federal government is investing $1.5 million to develop a strategic plan to position Port Alberta as a major North American inland trade and transportation hub.
        The funding was announced by Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification.

Port Alberta has the potential to transform the Edmonton region into a major North American warehousing and distribution hub that combines air, rail and road transportation infrastructure with links to Asia and the US.

The funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada will support the building blocks of research, partnership and plans that will contribute to developing a strong and vibrant Port Alberta.  The project will identify opportunities for Port Alberta, determine the economic impact and develop an action plan to ensure established targets are met.

Western Canada and Alberta are well positioned-both geographically and economically-to take advantage of changing dynamics in the global economy.  The Edmonton region, in particular, has the potential to become a major North American trade and transportation hub between Asia and North America.

“This investment marks an important step toward building the foundation needed to make Port Alberta a reality and success,” Ms Ambrose. “This investment will help develop a blueprint that will bring the Port Alberta concept to life and create an industry-led council to provide leadership for the initiative.”

Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel said: “Edmonton is a key inland staging area for trade between Asia and North America, so investing in Port Alberta is an investment in the future of the Edmonton region. As the global port to the oilsands, Edmonton’s future as an inland port is key to Canada’s economic prosperity.”

Reg Milley, President and CEO of Edmonton Airports, said: “This new funding is vital to developing Port Alberta and positioning Edmonton International Airport, as part of this vital regional initiative, to become a major cargo processing centre, capable of hosting multiple modes of transportation and acting as a catalyst for advancing global trade and distribution across the region. Onsite warehouse and logistics facilities will serve North America’s growing trade through NAFTA and with Asia and Europe.”

Martin Salloum, President and CEO of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, said: “Alberta’s business environment just got better. In an ever-changing global environment, the communities that will survive over the long run are those that can effectively work together towards a common goal. Twenty years from now, residents of the Edmonton Capital Region will see a more diverse, dynamic economy thanks in part to the Port Alberta partnership and the investment made today by the government of Canada.”

Efforts to develop Port Alberta were initiated by Edmonton Airports in June 2006.  Along with the airport, the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation and the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce have formed a partnership to champion and direct the initiative.  The city of Edmonton has also been a strong advocate for Port Alberta.

Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to stimulate and encourage diversification of the western economy. It also represents the interests of the West in national decision-making.

Did you enjoy this article? Please share it!
Reddit!Del.icio.us!Google!Netscape!StumbleUpon!Newsvine!Furl!Yahoo!