Vancouver, BC - Vancouver Port Authority President and Chief Executive Officer, Gordon Houston, says the Pacific Gateway Strategy, announced this morning by transport minister Jean Lapierre, is crucial to the continued success of the Port of Vancouver.

"The federal government's announcement of $600 million in funding for infrastructure and programs to enhance the Pacific Gateway takes British Columbia's ports a giant step closer to realizing the tremendous economic potential of expanding Asia-Pacific trade," said Houston. "While the Port of Vancouver is expanding its terminals to meet this opportunity, none of this investment means anything if we don't invest in expanding the road and rail networks that move goods to and from the port. This is a great day for British Columbia's ports and, indeed, for the future of the Canadian economy."

Houston noted that today's announcement represents government's recognition of the planning undertaken by the Gateway Council and others over the last five years. He also noted that it is a good example of how governments can work together to use their combined resources to maximize the benefit for Canadians. "The Port of Vancouver is Canada's port and today's announcement is not just of benefit to western Canada, but to the whole country," said Houston. "We look forward to working with the new Pacific Gateway Council to tap the economic benefits of expanded trade between Canada and Asia."

The Port of Vancouver is Canada's largest and most diversified port, trading $43 billion in goods with more than 90 trading economies annually. Port activities generate 69,200 jobs in total with $4 billion in Gross Domestic Product and $8.9 billion in economic output.

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For more information, please contact:

Anne McMullin,
Director, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
Vancouver Port Authority
604.665.9069 (office)
604.665.9073 (fax)
778.231.6978 (cellular)
anne.mcmullin@portvancouver.com

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