No. H 224/07
For release - November 27, 2007

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA REAFFIRMS INTENTION TO SEEK A PARTNERSHIP WITH PRIVATE-SECTOR IN BUILDING A NEW WINDSOR BORDER CROSSING

TORONTO — The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, was in Toronto today to seek a partnership with the private sector in the building of a new Windsor border crossing as part of the Government of Canada's $33 billion Building Canada infrastructure plan.

Speaking at the annual conference of the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships, Minister Cannon reaffirmed the Government of Canada's commitment to increasing border crossing capacity between Windsor and Detroit as a priority project for the Ontario-Quebec Continental Gateway and Trade Corridor. Yesterday in Washington, D.C., Minister Cannon signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters that commits Transport Canada and the United states Department of Transportation to keeping a high priority on enhancing the capacity of the border crossing infrastructure in the Detroit-Windsor region.

"We are experiencing the second-longest period of economic expansion in Canadian history. That's why our Government is investing in modern, world-class infrastructure projects that foster a stronger economy, a cleaner environment and safer, more prosperous communities," said Minister Cannon. "The new Windsor-Detroit border crossing is clearly a priority. A stronger border crossing will be good for Ontario, and good for the country."

Minister Cannon said that it was the Government of Canada's intention to seek private sector participation to design, build, finance and operate the Canadian inspection plaza and portion of the new bridge between Windsor and Detroit, while at the same time ensuring effective public oversight.

Building Canada will also benefit Ontario by supporting infrastructure priorities including transportation; public transit; green energy; and waste water systems. Building Canada was developed in consultation with provinces, territories and municipalities in the spirit of open federalism. Along with funding partners and the private sector, it is expected to inject more than $50 billion to ramp up our country's infrastructure.

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