June 01, 2018 | Category: News Releases

 

Ottawa, ON – May 30, 2018 – The Western Transportation Advisory Council (WESTAC) and a small delegation of WESTAC industry members met with the Liberal Prairies and Northern Caucus to discuss the importance of the western transportation network to Canada’s economic well-being.

WESTAC thanks Hon. Larry Bagnell, Chair, Liberal Prairies/Northern Caucus and MP for Yukon for hosting the delegation. Members fielded questions from Members of Parliament on a variety of issues including aboriginal participation in the transportation sector, the role of long-haul trucking sector in WESTAC, and future opportunities for Churchill.  The delegation was asked what three things government should focus on to ensure success in the trade-enabling transportation system.

Members in attendance were representative of the broad spectrum of WESTAC stakeholders and spoke to the collaborative work and planning underway to continually improve the western transportation network.

•          Janet Drysdale, Vice-President Corporate Development & Sustainability, CN

•          Doug Finnson, National President, Teamsters Canada Rail Conference *

•          Colan McCrum, Manager of Rail Operations, Viterra Inc.

•          Natashia Stinka, Manager, Government and Public Relations, Canpotex

•          Duncan Wilson, Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

The presentation included an overview by WESTAC on the economic impact of Western Canada’s trade and transportation network, followed by brief presentations from delegates on their role in the supply chain and how they see future opportunities and challenges for their organization within the network.

WESTAC’s goal is to educate public officials on the western transportation system, its role in the economy and to build support for why it should continue to be a high priority for the federal government.

About WESTAC:

The Western Transportation Advisory Council, WESTAC is a Council of major transportation organizations, represented by senior business, labour, and government decision-makers. WESTAC’s 50+ members span the modes and sectors of freight transportation: carriers and logistics providers, ports and terminals, shippers, labour unions and the three levels of government. Among others, WESTAC’s members include the largest railways, ports and commodity shippers in the country that represent a significant share of the Western Canadian economy. The members focus on critical issues that affect Western Canada’s freight transportation network to ensure that it is safe, efficient, reliable and competitive.

For more information visit, westac.com or on Twitter @WESTAC

*Negotiations pulled Doug from the meeting and he was unable to participate

 

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