Addressed participants at the 2015 Canadian Transportation Research Forum
OTTAWA, May 25, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, today addressed participants at the Canadian Transportation Research Forum's 50th annual conference about the importance of preparing for future challenges and ensuring that the industry and government can adapt to a changing transportation sector.
The Minister discussed the importance of addressing future challenges through research and development and highlighted Transport Canada's ecoTECHNOLOGY for Vehicles Program and also support for ACTIVE-AURORA, which is Canada's first connected vehicles test bed. The Minister also outlined projects and initiatives that support Canada's transportation systems, including the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative, the Gateways and Border Crossings Fund, and the New Building Canada Plan.
Minister Raitt discussed Transport Canada's close collaboration with industry and its work with the United States on major files like the next generation of stronger, safer rail tank cars, and the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
The Minister also outlined actions taken by the government following the tragic accident in Lac-Mégantic in July 2013 and reiterated its commitment to continue to improve the safe and secure movement of goods, help increase trade, and create jobs.
Quick Facts
- Through the ecoTECHNOLOGY for Vehicles Program, the government works with industry to evaluate new safety and environmental technologies for passenger cars and trucks.
- The Canadian Transportation Research Forum is a non-profit association that works with industry, government and academia to promote the development of research in transportation and related fields and provide a forum for networking.
- The Government of Canada has invested $1.4B through the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative to improve traffic flow at ports and transportation hubs and to construct roads, bridges and bypasses.
- The $2.1B Gateways and Border Crossings Fund has provided funding to over 40 projects across the country.
- The 10-year $53B New Building Canada Plan is the country's largest- and longest-ever infrastructure plan.
- The newly-named Gordie Howe International Bridge, formerly known as the Detroit River International Crossing, is scheduled to open in 2020 and will include a six-lane bridge, border inspection facilities in both countries and a new interchange connecting to Interstate-75 in Michigan.
Quote
"In a modern and mobile world where we have to anticipate the unexpected, organizations such as the Canadian Transportation Research Forum are essential to generate discussion and share knowledge."
The Honourable Lisa Raitt
Minister of Transport
Associated Link
Canadian Transportation Research Forum
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SOURCE Transport Canada
Zach Segal, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, Ottawa, 613-991-0700; Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055
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