No. GC017/06
For release November 29, 2006

CANADA’S NEW GOVERNMENT
MOVES TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AT
BRITISH COLUMBIA LOWER MAINLAND PORTS

OTTAWA - The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, along with the Honourable David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, today announced the enactment of new regulations aimed at stabilizing trucking operations at British Columbia’s Lower Mainland ports.

"These new regulations will help to ensure the long-term reliability of Lower Mainland ports for shippers and clients worldwide," said Minister Cannon. "Canada’s New Government is committed to facilitating industry relations and ensuring the efficient movement of containers in the ports of Vancouver and Fraser River. We are taking action to ensure that the port licensing system is maintained and remains effective."

Under the new regulations, the Vancouver and Fraser River port authorities must, by law, establish a licensing system, set minimum conditions on licences, and ensure these conditions are respected.

"The ports in Vancouver are vital for the local and national economies and represent a key part of our Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative, so we need to ensure they can run as seamlessly as possible," added Mr. Emerson. "With these regulations in place, B.C.’s ports will become an increasingly attractive destination for exporters from Asia and around the world."

The Regulations Amending the Port Authorities Operations Regulations reinforce measures established by the Vancouver and Fraser River port authorities by setting out conditions of entry through licensing. These measures will improve efficiency, reduce wait times and increase the number of daily trips made by owner-operators.

Transport Canada has completed its review of the comments received during the 30-day consultation period that followed the pre-publication of the regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part I. The new regulations were published today in the Canada Gazette, Part II and come into force immediately.

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