Transport Canada and its provincial partners have undertaken a National Commodity Flow, Trade and Traffic Forecasting project, to better understand the freight movement infrastructure needs of the future. The conference emphasized the freight movements from and through Western Canada. It rolled out the preliminary forecasts generated by IHS Global Insight. The forecasts covered the period from 2008 to 2026, and included the full spectrum of commodities carried by all modes, including airfreight. The purpose was to discuss the outlook for freight demand and answer the question: can Western Canada’s transportation system handle it? 

WESTAC provides opportunities for Members to speak directly to Ministers about the transportation industry and its issues. On February 27, 2009 a dozen Members met in Vancouver with the Hon. Stockwell Day, Canada’s Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia- Pacific Gateway.