MOU Between Federal Government & Atlantic Provinces

"Canada's prosperity and quality of life depend on our success as a trading nation," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "An Atlantic Gateway strategy will benefit the Atlantic region and all of Canada by taking advantage of the region's geographical position and transportation assets."

"Strengthening Nova Scotia's position in the competitive world of international commerce through the development of the Atlantic Gateway is a top priority for the provincial government," said the Honourable Michael Baker, Nova Scotia's Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Angus MacIsaac, Transportation and Public Works Minister. "Nova Scotia is committed to pursuing this extraordinary opportunity in collaboration with our provincial and federal partners."

"New Brunswick is very pleased to sign this agreement," said New Brunswick Transportation Minister Denis Landry. "This is a great opportunity for New Brunswick, the Atlantic Provinces, and all of Canada. We look forward to early action on the Atlantic Gateway because time is of the essence."

"The benefits the Atlantic Gateway can provide this region are enormous," said Prince Edward Island's Minister of Transportation and Public Works Ron MacKinley. "It will give businesses in Atlantic Canada, including Prince Edward Island, a far better opportunity to access trade markets world-wide. We applaud the federal government for recognizing Atlantic Canada as a vital part of Canada's economic, and transportation future."

"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to be a part of the on-going discussions regarding the Atlantic Gateway and is committed to ensuring maximum benefits for our province," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Newfoundland and Labrador's Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development.

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Backgrounder

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH ATLANTIC PROVINCES TO DEVELOP AN ATLANTIC GATEWAY STRATEGY

The Government of Canada, represented by the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and the Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the governments of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, represented by their respective Ministers of Transportation, that affirms each government's commitment to develop an Atlantic Gateway strategy.

This MOU provides the framework for collaboration between Canada and the Atlantic provinces. It reflects the established principles and governance structure of the Atlantic Gateway Federal-Provincial Officials Committee, which was established in January 2007 following an agreement among key federal Ministers, the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, and the Honourable Peter Mackay; and the Honourable Angus MacIsaac, along with three other Atlantic Ministers of Transportation, to work collaboratively towards an Atlantic Gateway Strategy.

The MOU outlines the objectives for the development of an Atlantic Gateway strategy over the next 24 months, including analytical work required to map and assess the multi-modal transportation system in the region that supports international commerce activities.

The main components of the MOU include:
** A vision and objectives: a common vision of establishing the Atlantic Gateway as a strategic, integrated and globally competitive transportation system that facilitates the movement of international commerce.
** A governance structure that establishes the Atlantic Gateway Federal-Provincial Officials Committee as the key forum for collaboration.
** An action plan aligned with the National Policy Framework for Strategic Gateways and Trade Corridors, that will further define opportunities and challenges associated with increased trade volumes, including identifying potential impacts on the transportation system. Potential measures, including international marketing and promotion, are identified as priorities for optimizing the effectiveness and exploitation of the gateway.

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http://www.tc.gc.ca/mediaroom/releases/nat/2007/07-gc033e.htm [Proofreader’s note: this article was edited for spelling and typos on October 15, 2007]