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The following statement was issued today by Julie Bettney, Minister of Works, Services and Transportation. It was also read in the House of Assembly: I would like to inform Honourable Members that June 2nd to the 8th has been proclaimed as National Transportation Week. This year's theme is "National Transportation: The Urban Connection." National Transportation Week is a time to help Newfoundlanders and Labradorians learn about what transportation means to them. Not only do we participate ourselves in transportation such as walking, cycling, driving, riding buses, ships and planes, but we also consume the many products which are a daily part of our modern life and which are transported to us by ship, train, truck, plane and pipeline. Every company uses the transportation industry, whether to send mail and packages or to receive and to transport goods. National Transportation Week is a time to celebrate the efforts of many thousands of Canadian workers in the transportation industry and to appreciate their role in the economic and social development of Canada. As this year's theme appropriately states, urban linkages are an essential component of our national and provincial transportation system. As goods and people pass through the urban network to their ultimate destination, an efficient system is crucial. Because of its geography, Newfoundland and Labrador's residents and businesses strongly depend on an efficient transportation network for the fast and capable movement of goods and people in and around the province. This is essential for our province's continued socio-economic well-being and development, both at home and globally. If we don't change and keep pace with changing technologies, we will be left behind and lose out on the many opportunities for growth and profit. At the National Kick-Off ceremonies this past Friday in Vancouver, I am pleased to announce, Mr. Craig Dobbin was awarded the "Transportation Person of the Year" award for Canada. Mr. Dobbin is the Chief Executive Officer of CHC Helicopter Corporation. In addition, Awards of Valour were presented to the crew of the Leonard J. Cowley for the rescue of 24 crew members from a sinking bulk carrier. Receiving as well this Award of Valour was Michael J. Ledrew, the CN bus driver who averted a major tragedy from occurring when the bus carrying figure skaters collided with a moose. In conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity to salute the many hundreds of men and women in Newfoundland and Labrador who work in our transportation industry. It is these people who really keep Canada moving.
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