New West Partnership Premiers Brad Wall (Saskatchewan), Jim Prentice (Alberta) and Christy Clark (British Columbia) are bringing transportation and industry leaders together this week in Regina to explore how Western Canada’s transportation system can be strengthened to better move the region’s products to global markets.

The New West Partnership Transportation Infrastructure Summit, taking place today and tomorrow (Nov. 5 - 6, 2014) will examine the long-term capacity, efficiency, reliability and competitiveness of the system. Delegates to the summit represent various exporting industries, port authorities, rail and trucking companies.

“Our three provinces are among the most trade-oriented in Canada,” Wall said. “I look forward to hosting my New West colleagues and key sector leaders to discuss actions we can take to ensure Canada’s transportation system is equipped for future growth.”

“Western Canada needs a reliable and effective transportation network in order to maximize the value of our natural resources,” Prentice said. “Given that Western Canada accounts for more than 60% of Canada’s exports with Asia, access to global markets is important not only to our prosperity but also to the continued economic health of Canada.”

“As Canada's Pacific Gateway, B.C. plays a vital role in the safe and efficient movement of goods from Western Canada to Asia,” Clark said. “By working together and with the private sector, our three provinces will be able to further strengthen our transportation infrastructure to ensure we are taking advantage of the opportunities presented by Asia's growing economies.”

Prominent Alberta business leader Jim Dinning will act as the summit’s facilitator and guide the discussions of the attendees. 

On the margins of the summit, the premiers will also meet to discuss progress on a number of initiatives, including apprentice mobility and improvements to the New West Partnership Trade Agreement. 

The New West Partnership was created in 2010. It has brought Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia into an unprecedented and historic partnership establishing an economic powerhouse of over nine million people with a combined GDP of almost $550 billion. For more information about the New West Partnership, visit: www.newwestpartnership.ca

Media Contacts:

Kathy Young
Executive Council
Regina, Saskatchewan
Phone: 305 787-0425
Email: kathy.young@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306 526-8927

Emily Woods
Office of the Premier
Edmonton, Alberta
Phone: 780 427-4210
Email: Emily.woods@gov.ab.ca
Cell: 780 668-8617

Sam Oliphant
Office of the Premier
Victoria, B.C.
Phone: 250 952-7252
Email: Sam.Oliphant@gov.bc.ca