Vancouver, British Columbia
October 21, 2005
Check Against Delivery
I have been involved with transportation issues in British Columbia for a very long time. I recognize quite a few people here today — politicians, businesspeople and community leaders — who have worked to improve the aviation, shipping and road infrastructure in our province.
Before I dive into my remarks, I would like to take a moment to recognize their efforts, and the work of my colleagues in Ottawa and Victoria to push for this project, to press for the improvement of essential transportation facilities connecting British Columbia to Western Canada and markets in the United States and beyond.
Premier Gordon Campbell, in particular, has effectively argued the importance of the Pacific Gateway as a vital economic asset — one that benefits every Canadian in some way.
Like so many things, a project as wide-ranging as the Pacific Gateway simply would not work without the dedication and cooperation of these leaders.
As Minister Lapierre just outlined, the Pacific Gateway Strategy is a fundamental part of the Government of Canada's efforts to secure, and enhance, our international competitive position.
I've been arguing for a long time two fundamental points. One, that you've got to invest in good times because there is no doubt that, in a commodity-dependent economy like ours, there will be downturns, times when it's a lot harder to invest tax dollars in long-term projects.
And two, that in a world of global supply chains, it is incredibly important that government do its part to smooth out any kinks and discontinuities. That means easy flowing transportation corridors. It means regulation that does not needlessly hinder the movement of goods. Global investors want access to the U.S. market. We have to give them a reason to ship their goods through Canada, and to invest here rather than heading straight to the U.S.
This is why I'm so pleased to be here today. The Pacific Gateway Strategy is the embodiment of what I've been talking about. We are taking concrete action to make sure B.C. will be ready for the surge in traffic we expect from China, from India, from around the Pacific Rim. And to make us the preferred destination for goods going to and from Asia. We're investing today for tomorrow's economy.
There's another reason I'm proud to be at this event, and that's to celebrate this simple fact: the federal government gets B.C.
When I went to Ottawa over a year ago now, I had an economic mission, but I also had a political one: to ensure B.C. was at the heart of decision-making, and the thinking of the decision makers, in the national capital. We all know that hasn't often been the case in the past.
Well, it is now. You've got a guy from Quebec who moved heaven and earth in Ottawa to make sure this Pacific Gateway Strategy came to be. Jean Lapierre, thank you for getting B.C.
But it's more than Jean… the whole Cabinet was sold on this. We're talking a lot about transportation today, and it reminds me of the old saying that General Motors executives used to use: what's good for GM is good for America.
Well, in Ottawa today, we've been able to sell a lot of people on the proposition that what's good for B.C. is good for Canada.
What more proof do you need than today's announcement — the list of projects we will be supporting — and yesterday's introduction of legislation.
Let's be clear: the Pacific Gateway Strategy is based on sound economic logic. I wouldn't have it any other way. The greatest growth market in the world today is Asia, and all of Canada will benefit from having a better gateway here.
By expanding transportation facilities in British Columbia and strengthening links with the rest of Western Canada, we will bring more foreign suppliers and international markets to Canadian businesses — businesses looking to grow.
Our proximity to the U.S. has resulted in tremendous economic opportunity and helped average Canadians get well-paid and highly skilled jobs. NAFTA gives Canadian-based businesses duty-free access to a market of over 400 million consumers with a combined GDP of over $11.4 trillion U.S.
Because of our ties to NAFTA, the Pacific Gateway is not just a one-way route from Canada to Asia. It is also a gateway from Asia to Canada, to North America — even to Europe.
We've got the transportation capacity. We've got the communication infrastructure. Canadians are recognized for their professional capabilities and trade expertise, qualities that will drive our international relationships much further.
The Pacific Gateway Strategy announced this morning consists of three key components: the Pacific Gateway Act, a package of immediate infrastructure projects, and further long-term strategic investments and commitments.
While the Strategy tackles some outstanding infrastructure issues, it also begins to address the small irritants that slow trade: border delays, transportation bottlenecks, and regulatory tie-ups.
I'll just mention briefly one example from my own department, Industry Canada. The Government of Canada is committing $10 million to help harmonize standards with our international partners.
Closer cooperation on standards between Canada and key markets (specifically China) will increase the potential market access for Canadian products and services.
Shared and common standards help encourage the diffusion of technology, increase product interoperability, encourage innovation, increase product safety and encourage environmentally sustainable activities.
And this is one small component of the Strategy — a total package with the potential to fundamentally affect our trading patterns with the world.
I think we can all recognize the possibilities within our reach. By managing relationships in a constructive way, and by making the right policy and infrastructure choices, we can broaden Canada's role in the international economy, ensuring a bright economic future for everyone in B.C. and across the country.
Thank you very much.
