The Government of Canada, the four provincial governments in Atlantic Canada and the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association have commissioned a study to assess the potential for developing a harmonized trucking strategy for the region.
The study represents a preliminary phase to a larger piece of research. Its purpose is to scope out the elements and potential partnerships that will form the basis for the primary research to follow.
The larger project will examine areas such as the economic role of trucking in the transportation industry, trade and transportation corridor implications for trucking in the region's growing economic relationship with the United States (particularly border crossings), approaches to regulatory harmonization, human resource requirements of the industry, approaches for improving fleet management and inter-modal efficiencies to support the export of Atlantic products, use of e-business technologies to improve efficiencies in the industry, and economies of scale of integrated systems such as the motor vehicle registration system.
The study was jointly announced by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA); Honourable Don MacKinnon, Minister of Transportation and Public Works; and Ralph Boyd, President of the Atlantic Trucking Association. ACOA provided $15,000 to fund the scoping study, which is being guided by a steering committee consisting of representatives from ACOA, Transport Canada, the four provincial departments of transportation, and the trucking industry.
"Efficient and cost-effective truck transport is a significant factor in Atlantic Canada's relationship with US and Canadian trading partners and, therefore, has to be an important element of any economic development strategy for the region," said Minister Byrne. "The Government of Canada is pleased to collaborate with the provincial governments and the trucking industry in the region to identify ways in which we can work together to enhance the competitiveness of the industry."
The study is an important step in implementing a key aspect of a joint action plan released by the Council of Atlantic Premiers, which calls for the development and deployment of a harmonized trucking strategy.
"The value of provincial exports has nearly doubled to almost $700 Million since 1997. The Island trucking industry has played a big part in that success. That's why enhancing regional competitiveness in the trucking industry was recently identified as a priority by the Council of Atlantic Premiers. I'm pleased that by partnering with the federal government and industry on this study we are moving forward in a positive way, yielding concrete benefits for the industry and further prospects for long-term economic growth on Prince Edward Island," said MacKinnon.
Ralph Boyd commented, "Trucking makes a major contribution to the Atlantic economy. This study is an important first step in dealing with the key challenges facing our industry, and I am delighted that the federal and provincial governments are working closely with us to identify new ways that will help cut duplication and red tape and improve our overall competitiveness."
The scoping study is being conducted by Fred P. Nix of Orangeville, Ontario, a consultant with demonstrated knowledge of the trucking industry in Atlantic Canada, knowledge of public policy issues related to trucking, as well as knowledge of the Atlantic Coast trade and transportation corridor. The study is expected to be complete in July 2002.