Canada's Senate Transport Committee is emphasizing the need for the nation to quickly develop its container terminals to avoid losing out to countries that are making such investments.
"This is a national undertaking that requires a national vision. If we don't act quickly, we risk losing to countries that are making the investments. Based on what we have heard, we believe that we have a narrow window of time to get it right or the opportunity will be lost to us forever," said Committee Deputy Chair Senator Donald Oliver.
"The stakes are high. The investment requirements and potential return on investments are very substantial indeed...Of course investments in infrastructure will cost, but Canada will benefit with the creation of thousands of jobs and related investments. Now is the time. If we don't act we will lose out to other countries, such as Mexico," added Committee Chair Senator Lise Bacon.
The Senators' comments were made during a recent conference call to coincide with the tabling of the committee's report on Canada's future as a container handling nation, reports the Northern Daily of Smithers, British Colombia.
The report itself, entitled "Time for a New National Vision: Opportunities and Constraints for Canada in the Global Movement of Goods", lists recommendations such as those calling for increased funding for gateway, port and inland terminal projects through the Federal Government's Building Canada Plan fund; the establishment of a National Gateway Council; and an adjustment to the capital cost allowance to encourage railroads to accelerate investment in new equipment.
The Senators also called on the Federal Government to take more of a leadership role in making the gateway a reality.
"There is a very significant opportunity for Canada in the context of the international system of movement of containers, and there is a significant leadership and policy role for the Government of Canada to play in getting our container system up to speed," said Senator Oliver.
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