Canada's Surface Transportation Policy: Competitive and Efficient

Competitive and EfficientFreight Transportation

Annette GibbonsDirector General, Surface Transportation Policy TBWG Fall Plenary, Québec City, Québec, October 28, 2010

Competitive and Efficient

Presentation Overview

• Global Supply Chains & Strategic Gateways• Infrastructure & Technology• Rail Freight• Urban Centres• Canada-U.S. Border• Looking Ahead

Competitive and Efficient

Global Supply Chains

Challenges:• Congestion• Reliability• Infrastructure Capacity

Competitive and Efficient

Improving Freight Flows

• Freight flows that are safe, secure, sustainable, and efficient

• Our approach includes:Strategic gateways and

trade corridorsModern infrastructureNew technologiesPartnerships

Competitive and Efficient

Strategic Gateways and Trade Corridors

• Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative• Ontario-Québec Continental Gateway• Atlantic Gateway

Asia-PacificAsia-PacificGatewayGateway

Ontario-Québec Ontario-Québec Continental GatewayContinental Gateway

Atlantic Atlantic GatewayGateway

North America's closest major ports to Asia

North America's closest ports to Europe and ships transiting the Suez Canal

Competitive and Efficient

Asia-Pacific Gateway and Trade Corridor • APGCI links Asia to Canada via our west coast ports

Prince RupertPort Metro Vancouver

• New berth at Deltaport increases capacity, reduces congestion

• Systems analysis table will identify transportation needs

Competitive and Efficient

Ontario-Québec Continental Gateway & Atlantic Gateway - Updates

• Federal and provincial governments finalizing both strategies

• Dedicated merit-based funding for infrastructure:Customs plaza improvementsRoad improvements and highway twinning

Competitive and Efficient

Freight Technology Investments

• Remote identification of vehicles, trailers, and containers

• Virtual safety inspections• Online licencing and permit systems

Competitive and Efficient

Measuring Supply Chain Performance and Reliability

Transport Canada is developing:• Fluidity indicators, to measure total

transit time from origin to destinationHong Kong to Toronto = 21.2 days

(17 month average, Jan’09 – May’10)

• Total logistics cost index

Competitive and Efficient

Improving Rail Freight Fluidity

• Transport Canada has commissioned a Rail Freight Service Review, by a panel of external experts

• The Interim Report recommendations:10-day service change noticeService agreementsDispute resolution processPerformance reporting

Competitive and Efficient

Improving Freight Flow throughUrban Centres

• Federal investments in urban transportation infrastructure were over $1B in 2008-09

• Urban transit provides alternatives for drivers and relieves congestion on roads

• TC supports research on urban goods movement

Competitive and Efficient

Improving Border Fluidity

• A vital link between our countries• Collaboration is key in border management• TBWG creates valued partnerships

Competitive and Efficient

Improving Freight Flows at the Border• Prioritize urgent infrastructure needs

• Integrate gateway and corridor systems

• Improve information and data exchange

• Harmonize trusted shipper programs

• Maximize use of existing facilities

• Balance security with trade facilitation

Competitive and Efficient

Looking Ahead Challenges:• Changes in global trade patterns & supply chains• Continued economic uncertainty• Enhanced security requirements• Need for greener systems

Solutions:• Strategic Approach• Research & Technology• Partnerships

Competitive and Efficient

Questions?