Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, will meet with western counterparts today at a summit in Winnipeg to discuss innovative ways to improve B.C.'s transportation network and the movement of goods across the West.

Trevena will meet with cabinet ministers from Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Yukon, as well as industry representatives and leaders, at the Western Transportation Advisory Council (WESTAC) conference. The conference is a public and private forum that brings together industry stakeholders to look at the evolution in transportation, as well as technological advancements in the industry that improve supply chain and network efficiency.

"B.C. has a great story to tell as a major trade hub and driver for sustainable growth, while building and promoting Canada's western trade corridor all over the world," said Trevena. "We need to stay competitive and continue to collaborate with our western partners to grow our collective economies with good jobs, while delivering benefits to people and communities."

“To maintain our competitive advantage as a key gateway to the Asia-Pacific, it’s important for our government to work with the other western jurisdictions to optimize our transportation and supply-chain networks,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology. “Economic growth and competitiveness depends on innovation, and our government looks forward to contributing to greater integration, efficiency and harmonization of our shared transportation networks.”

A reliable and efficient transportation network is critical to local, provincial and national economies. Government continues to work closely with other provinces to take advantage of B.C.’s strategic location as the gateway to North America and the Asia-Pacific region.