Resources

Trade policy should recognize that we live in a world of globally integrated production and there are very few products that are wholly Canadian anymore (or wholly from any one nation).

Beyond the Border is a declaration signed by the leaders of Canada and the U.S. in February 2011. It called for an Action Plan to work jointly on a perimeter approach to security and economic competitiveness to improve the legitimate flow of people, goods and services.

The Semi-Annual Meeting held November 5 & 6 in Vancouver offered a variety of perspectives and information to help members as we move forward into 2010. The meeting was well attended, with more than 60 members participating. This has been a year of extremes and some of the upsets and changes are permanent, altering how we do things in Western Canada.

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.

A summary of opinions and perceptions from meetings WESTAC held to discuss the Pacific Gateway with senior stakeholders from organizations that will impact and be impacted by PG development. Rather than a consensus report, it is offered as a resource for the Federal Government and others who will make policies and investments in support of the Pacific Gateway

Drawing from shippers and importers that rely upon the freight transportation system, this 80 page report details findings in containerized freight and in six export commodity groups (coal, forest products, grains, fertilizer and potash, sulphur and chemicals) providing ten-year forecast information about surface freight volumes in Western Canada.

Vancouver has experienced significant volume growth over the past year and it is forecast that rapid growth will continue over the next 15 years. All stakeholders - ocean carriers, retailers, producers, terminal operators, and railways – will be impacted.