GVBOT Welcomes Port of Vancouver Gateway Strategy

VANCOUVER, B.C. — The Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport, announced the establishment of the Port of Vancouver Gateway Strategy. In response, Bridgitte Anderson, the President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade released the following statement: 

"Today’s announcement is a big win for the British Columbia business community and the Canadian economy. By taking a holistic approach to the growth of our pacific gateway, the federal government is injecting the urgency our economy and supply chains need.

Growing the Port’s container capacity by 50% and enabling $100 billion in new trade annually through expansion at Roberts Bank and elsewhere is essential to keeping Canada competitive. We are also very pleased to see the strategy’s commitment to optimizing land use and prioritizing rail infrastructure upgrades to prevent bottlenecks.

This strategy demonstrates that economic ambitions and environmental stewardship can work hand-in-hand. We commend the collaborative work already done with 27 First Nations through Mutual Benefit Agreements on the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 project, alongside the critical investments to protect local marine ecosystems and Southern Resident killer whales. 

By prioritizing the Gateway Strategy, the federal government is taking a decisive, nation-building step to unlock West Coast trade capacity, diversify our global markets, and clear the path toward doubling Canada's non-U.S. exports by 2035."

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About the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade:

Since its inception in 1887, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has been recognized as Western Canada's leading business association, engaging our members to inform public policy at all levels of government and empowering them to succeed and prosper in the global economy. With a Membership whose employees comprise one-third of B.C.'s workforce, we are the largest business association between Victoria and Toronto. We leverage this collective strength, facilitating networking opportunities, and providing professional development through unique programs. In addition, we operate one of the largest events platforms in the country, providing a stage for national and international thought leaders to enlighten B.C.'s business leaders.

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