Meeting of the Council of Ministers responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety

Winnipeg, Manitoba (September 20, 2002)

Provincial and territorial ministers responsible for transportation and highway safety today announced the release of discussion paper entitled “Partnering for the Future – A Transportation Vision for Canada”.

Speaking on behalf of his provincial and territorial colleagues, the Honourable Steve Ashton, Minister of Transportation and Government Services for Manitoba, indicated that the paper was prepared in relation to Transport Canada’s Blueprint Initiative with the objective of pursuing dialogue with the federal government on ways to improve Canada’s transportation system and to lay the foundations for an effective transportation system for the 21^st Century. He stated that the document sets the stage for a renewed partnership approach that respects the needs, priorities and responsibilities of each jurisdiction, and for broader discussions and collaboration with municipalities and other stakeholders in the months ahead.

The document outlines a number of challenges facing the transportation system in Canada, reflecting on the state of transportation infrastructure, congestion, mobility, the impacts of globalisation and changing trade patterns, and heightened concerns for safety and security. The paper concludes that sustainable solutions to these challenges can only be found if governments work together as partners, in collaboration with municipalities and the private sector.

Copies of the discussion paper are available on the internet at www.comt.ca

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Contact: Harlan Mushumanski, Manitoba Government, 204-945-0787