Minister of Transport		Ministre des Transports
Ottawa, Canada K1A 0N5

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D.
Governor General of Canada
Rideau Hall
1 Sussex Drive
Ottawa ON K1A 0A1

Excellency:

It is with great pleasure that I submit to your attention the ninth Annual Report on the state of transportation in Canada. This report is produced in conformity with the statutory requirements spelled out in Section 52 of the Canada Transportation Act.

Canadians' well being depends on the ability of our transportation system to span distances, to allow dynamic trade relationships with other nations, and to sustain competition in the global marketplace. A safe and secure transportation system also plays an important role in attracting investment and supporting economic growth. Canada's prosperity is closely linked to its trade relationships with other countries, especially with the United States. The expansion of the European Union and the emerging economies of China, India and Brazil represent an increasing challenge, forcing our transportation system to rapidly evolve and adjust to economic globalization and integration.

Through the analysis of the most recent information available, this report examines the role of the Canadian transportation system in the production, distribution and consumption of material goods and services, as well as the evolution of transportation demand and its response to changing needs and market conditions.

This report on the state of the Canadian transportation system provides relevant information that informs policy and program decision-making.

Yours sincerely,

Hon. Jean-C. Lapierre, P.C., M.P.