Minister addresses Transportation Club of Newfoundland and Labrador

Today, Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, addressed the Transportation Club of Newfoundland and Labrador. The address took place today at the Capital Hotel in St. John�s.

In his address, Minister Rideout said that the Williams government has made great strides toward meeting its commitments to the people of our province. As well, there have been great strides forward in the area of transportation.

Minister Rideout said: "The Premier has been very active in securing additional funding for health care to the tune of an extra $293 million over the next six years. Our government is also actively pursuing a strategy for developing the Lower Churchill.

"In the interest of ensuring federal support for our provincial transportation priorities, I have met with the federal transport minister, the Honourable Jean-C. Lapierre, my Atlantic counterparts and my colleagues from across the country.

"The federal minister and myself discussed the necessity for upgrades to Newfoundland and Labrador�s highways and secondary roads. Our government believes that greater flexibility is needed in federal funding agreements for transportation infrastructure.

"My Atlantic counterparts and I discussed issues including; the national highway system and flexibility in federal funding programs, small airport viability, the Canada Marine Act as well as Marine Atlantic. I asked my provincial counterparts to put Marine Atlantic rates on the agenda for our next meeting, at which time I will be seeking their support to bring forward rates charged as an Atlantic regional issue.

"At the recent Transportation Association of Canada meetings, we agreed that the nation�s transportation system was essential in providing access for users but also in terms of economic growth. The transportation ministers from across the country committed to a review of the National Highway System, with a view to include a Tier 2 system of roads. My department is currently working on developing proposed criteria for Tier 2 roads, in conjunction with our provincial and territorial counterparts."

The minister went on to say that, "While we�ve been busy in terms of federal-provincial relations, our government remains committed to the development of our rural communities. This government strongly believes that we as a province need a strong and reliable infrastructure base to build a better economy.

"To that end, our government allocated $30 million to the Provincial Roads Improvement Program, a $7 million increase over and above the previous year, in the 2004-05 provincial budget. This demonstrates our government�s commitment to providing a safe and reliable transportation network within our province.

"Our government has awarded nearly 40 contracts for road work. This has brought benefits to both rural and urban districts in terms of making improvements to our roads and bridge infrastructure, ensuring employment opportunities, as well as providing prospects for the local construction industry. Statistics Canada estimates that for every million dollars spent on road work, 12 direct and eight indirect jobs are created."

"This roads program delivers on government�s commitment to preventative maintenance, as outlined in the 2004 Speech from the Throne. The National Research Council has indicated that replacements costs are actually 10 times greater than preventative maintenance costs," said Minister Rideout.

"Our government has planned a busy future as we move forward to launch our rural strategy, move even further ahead with the Department of Business and proceed more formally with development options for the Lower Churchill. There are many good things ahead for our province and our people."

Click here for a copy of the Minister's speaking notes.

Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, Communications, (709) 729-3015 or (709) 690-8403

2004 10 27                         1:05 p.m.