NLIS 8
September 7, 2001
(Works, Services and Transportation)
 

Atlantic ministers responsible for transportation meet

At the annual Atlantic Transportation Ministers' meeting in St. John's, ministers from the four provinces highlighted their common concerns over national highway funding, air transportation and the need for a national transportation strategy. This two-day meeting which concluded today comes in advance of the upcoming Federal/Provincial Transportation Ministers meeting, which will be held on September 20, in Halifax.

"There was strong consensus around the table to focus our efforts and attention on our immediate priorities which are federal funding of highway infrastructure; provincial participation in the National Transportation Blueprint; improved federal policies dealing with air transportation, uniform regulations governing vehicle weights and dimensions," said Percy Barrett, Newfoundland and Labrador's Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, who chaired the meeting.

New Brunswick Transportation Minister, Margaret Ann Blaney, was pleased to note the high degree of commitment by all ministers. "We have to be vigilant in moving the issue of federal funding forward given the economic implications for the entire Atlantic Region," Minister Blaney commented.

"Canada's federal government collects about $4 billion a year in revenue from road fuel taxes but reinvests less than four per cent," said Don McKinnon, Prince Edward Island's Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "The federal government must look seriously at the infrastructure deficit across the country."

The ministers also called for new federal policies dealing with air transportation, particularly improved air service with reasonable fares for the Atlantic region, and the financial viability of small airports. Nova Scotia Transportation and Public Works Minister Ron Russell said: "These critical air transportation issues are shared by all four Atlantic Provinces. The viability of small airports and air access in Nova Scotia is absolutely necessary for the economic well-being of this province."

Atlantic ministers also agreed that their provinces must collectively play an active part in shaping the federal government's national blueprint on transportation.

On the trucking front, ministers agreed that by mid-October 2001, uniform regulations governing vehicle weights and dimensions will be implemented in the Atlantic Provinces. This step will make it easier for the trucking industry to do business. 

In addition, Newfoundland and Labrador's Government Services and Lands Minister Walter Noel highlighted concerns regarding the use of cell phones while driving and was pleased to see general consensus by ministers that consistency on addressing this issue across jurisdictions is preferable, and all agreed to coordinate their efforts on the issue.

Minister Barrett raised the issue of accessibility of disabled persons to small aircraft (less than 30 seats). Ministers are committed to seeking a resolution to this issue.

Also attending the meeting was Jane Lincoln, deputy commissioner for the Maine Department of Transportation. The group discussed the measures under way to support trade and the movement of goods across the border between Atlantic Canada and the Eastern United States.

Media contact: Rick Callahan, Communications, (709) 729-4860.

2001 09 07                                          4:30 p.m.