A7

Hon. Peter MacKay
Commentary

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Our government knows that growth in Canada's prosperity and quality of life depends on putting in place bold policy initiatives to ensure our success as a trading nation. The Atlantic Gateway initiative is an example of that leadership.

Almost 35 per cent of our GDP is generated by exports - many of which pass through Atlantic Canada, creating jobs and fuelling our regional economy.

It's an impressive level of activity. But it's only just the beginning.

Atlantic Canada is a vital link between the heartland of the North American economy and the global market. An Atlantic Gateway capable of handling sea, land and air transportation has the potential to meaningfully enhance our ability to get a bigger share of the growing trade between North America and emerging foreign markets, like India.

But there's still work to be done, and the Harper government recognizes that. Capitalizing on our region's enviable position within North America's export network will mean working together to ensure the efficient and seamless movement of goods into and out of Atlantic Canada, and telling the world what the Atlantic Gateway has to offer.

The Association of Canadian Port Authorities recognizes this. That's why, at their recent meeting in Saint John, a priority focus was given to the importance of regional co-operation in building the Atlantic Gateway. I applaud their efforts, as well as those of other groups who have indicated their willingness to work together for the good of our region's future prosperity.

We all have a job to do. The Government of Canada is working with provincial governments and private sector partners to develop a strategy to ensure that our region and our country get the most out of the Atlantic Gateway.

We're also moving on developing a modern and efficient transportation system after years of neglect, allowing Canada to take full advantage of significant international trade opportunities. As part of our government's Building Canada plan, we have dedicated more than $33 billion for infrastructure projects across the country, including projects that support trade.

The government knows that relations with the international community are important That's why the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is hard at work building new trade relationships and strengthening existing ones within the global marketplace.

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of leading an Atlantic Canadian trade delegation to India. Our goal was simple: to tell the Indian business community how the Atlantic Gateway's quick and cost-effective access to the North American marketplace can benefit their bottom-line.

They listened, and acted. Earlier this summer, Saint John's Moosehead Breweries inked a trade deal with an Indian shipping firm that will see regular shipments of Moosehead product leaving Saint John's port for Mumbai. It's the beginning of what partners on both sides anticipate will grow into a long-standing trade partnership.

Our government plans to build new trade relationships such as this, and strengthen existing ones. Together with our provincial and private-sector partners, we are developing new trade connections with key North American markets through strategic trade missions to major hubs like Chicago, Boston and Miami, and by hosting visiting delegations who are keen to see for themselves what our region has to offer.

The Atlantic Gateway offers unparalleled opportunity. As Minister of ACOA, I am committed to continue working with Atlantic Canadians to seek out and explore all opportunities that global commerce offers our region.

A successful Atlantic Gateway will take strong partnerships, a comprehensive strategy, the right infrastructure and the continued cultivation of trade relationships.

Together, we can make that vision a reality.

Honourable Peter MacKay is Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.