A5

Minister Peter MacKay
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I recently had the pleasure of hosting, along with the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State for ACOA, a meeting to discuss the Atlantic Gateway with business executives from across Atlantic Canada.

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STEPHEN MACGILLIVRAY PHOTO

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I found our discussion at the Museum of Industry in Stellarton, N.S. last weekend extremely helpful in identifying themes and priorities for the Gateway.

North American security issues, investing in regional growth, energy resources, rail competitiveness, cross border trade, attracting business to our region and harmonization of our regulations with the U.S. were some of the themes we covered.

There was also considerable discussion around the creation of a private sector council to lead the ongoing development of priorities for the Atlantic Gateway. I encouraged business leaders to advance this idea by setting their own mandate and identifying their own representatives. It is my view that such a council should be created and owned by the private sector.

The world is paying attention to our government's efforts to market the Atlantic Gateway. A business delegation from India is in Atlantic Canada this week looking at our transportation system to determine how it could help move goods between our two countries.

Our government is committed to invest significantly in transportation infrastructure that can transform this region. But, we have to be strategic. Our "Building Canada Plan" is pumping an unprecedented $33 billion into Canada's infrastructure that will fuel economic competitiveness in global markets through our trade gateways.

We don't have endless resources, so we face tough decisions. We want investments to reflect the best opportunities for long-term growth, and reflect the principles of the Atlantic Gateway concept, which are to boost Canada's international trade position, and to benefit the Atlantic region as a whole.

I am relying on the insight and acumen of our business leaders to move the Atlantic Gateway forward, and I have challenged them to take the reins and drive this initiative. This is the time when the priorities of the federal and provincial governments must come together.

I am as anxious as anyone to see the first bricks-and-mortar projects happening in our region, but they will not happen unless they are tied to the core objectives of building an international Gateway.

As Atlantic Gateway Minister and Minister of National Defence, I am committed to working with Atlantic Canadians to secure the real and immediate opportunities that global commerce offers our region, and I will continue to promote our region and its transportation assets to the rest of the world.

The Honourable Peter G. MacKay is Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway.