Transportation and Works
January 21, 2015
Regional Cooperation Strengthens Local Infrastructure
Minister Brazil Participates in Meeting of Atlantic Transportation Ministers
The Honourable David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works, joined Atlantic Canadian transportation ministers in Halifax earlier this week to discuss opportunities to advance transportation improvements and infrastructure in the region. Key aspects of the meeting focused on the Federal Government's review of the Canada Transportation Act, asset management best practices, and the New Building Canada Plan.
"Coming together and taking a regional view of some of the common issues that we as a region experience is extremely beneficial. It presents the opportunity to learn from one another and share ideas that result in the best possible management of transportation linkages and infrastructure. We also recognize that there is strength in working as a region in advancing opportunities for improvement to the Federal Government as to how it can better administer its programs and services."
- The Honourable David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works
As part of the meetings, the ministers agreed on a joint submission to the Federal Government's review of the Canada Transportation Act. In their submission, the Atlantic Ministers identified the sustainability of aging infrastructure, supply chain efficiency, airport and air industry competitiveness, and marine ferry sustainability, including a renewed and enhanced commitment to the Marine Atlantic ferry service with reduced user prices and restored transit frequency, as being regional priorities.
Minister Brazil also used the meeting as an opportunity to discuss measures taken in other provinces to prevent motor vehicle collisions with wildlife.
"These were informative discussions. My ministerial counterpart from New Brunswick highlighted some of the benefits of fencing defined areas of highway but acknowledged the challenges in and around overpasses. He also indicated that his province was following our lead on enhancing brush clearing and that they plan on incorporating that into their approach. We agreed to continue to collaborate on this matter as we share the same commitment to ensuring the safety of roads and highways."
- Minister Brazil
QUICK FACTS
- Minister Brazil met with Atlantic Canadian transportation ministers in Halifax, Nova Scotia,on January 19 and 20.
- The meetings focused on the Federal Government's review of the Canada Transportation Act, asset management best practices, and the New Building Canada Plan.
- The Canada Transportation Act is federal legislation regarding Canada's national transportation system.
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Media contact:
| Scott Barfoot
Director of Communication Department of Transportation and Works 709-729-3015, 690-6290 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca |
2015 01 21 3:10 p.m.