Transportation and Infrastructure
National Trucking Week - Sept 4-10, 2011
By Blair Lekstrom
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
VICTORIA - Thank a trucker the next time you pick something off the store shelf. Just about every product we use or consume arrives by truck. Everything from Blackberries to blueberries, whether it was manufactured overseas or produced in British Columbia makes its way to our homes via plane, ship or train through B.C.'s transportation network - and, ultimately, by truck.
Our exporters depend on trucks, too - and our mining, forestry, agricultural and fishery products would not reach customers abroad without the support of B.C.'s vibrant trucking industry.
That is why the provincial government is working with truckers to move products to and from and within B.C. more smoothly. B.C. already has a world-class transportation network that ensures the free movement of people, goods and services, but we have to plan ahead for future growth in our economy.
That means investing $12 billion since 2001 in road and highway infrastructure that moves truck traffic away from neighbourhoods to more efficient routes. The Nelson Rd. Interchange on Highway 91 is the latest addition to our Pacific Gateway Strategy to streamline trucker access to Port Metro Vancouver.
Ultimately the goal is to boost domestic, cross-border and global export opportunities. It's about bringing new investment into all regions of the province - accelerating job creation and growing revenues which support B.C. families. The B.C. Trucking Association plays a key role in helping us achieve these goals.
Reducing red tape is another great way to make trucking more efficient. The New West Partnership program is a prime example. The three western provinces have agreed to align trucking regulations to remove economic barriers and move products between B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan more seamlessly. This makes our region more competitive internationally and generates more jobs for B.C. truckers.
We are taking advantage of modern technology too. In co-operation with B.C. truckers, we have developed the Weigh2GoBC system to keep trucks moving with fewer stops. Rather than pulling every truck over to the side of the road for inspection, a registered vehicle carrying a transponder can be identified and checked electronically for height, weight, insurance and safety credentials at highway speed.
If a truck receives a green light, it rolls on down the highway without unnecessary stops. If a driver receives a red light, the driver is asked to pull over, keeping our highways safe and reducing line-ups at weigh stations.
I am proud to promote National Trucking Week in association with the B.C. Trucking Association. Together we are working to make our provincial economy more competitive internationally.
B.C. is Canada's Pacific Gateway to growing markets in China, Korea, Japan and India, and we are in a position to lead the national economy out of today's economic turmoil and secure the jobs of tomorrow. This week when I sit down with friends and family for dinner, I am going to think about the truckers who brought it all home.
Contact:
Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241
