SASKATCHEWAN PROPOSES TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM VISION

Canada needs a vision of the national transportation system that supports the growth of both individual provinces and the country as a whole.

"Our vision is of a transportation system where the needs of clients and customers, shippers and travellers, are served by viable national carriers driven by competition and market forces," Highways and Transportation Minister Mark Wartman said.

Wartman presented Saskatchewan's vision to the House of Commons Standing Committee of Transportation in Ottawa yesterday. The Committee is currently conducting hearings on Bill C-26, An Act to Amend The Canada Transportation Act.

Saskatchewan's vision is centered on:

• providing reasonable access to rural and remote areas;

• responding to the needs of provinces, territories and the country as a whole;

• long-term, sustainable funding to all modes of transportation;

• increased regulatory harmonization; and

• federal funding for the National Highway System.

"A truly national vision, enshrined in legislation, would not only describe what the national transportation system would look like, it would provide all levels of government and taxpayers a standard by which to gauge the effectiveness of transportation policies, programs and investments," Wartman said. "Over the last several years, we have been working co-operatively with the federal government to develop and articulate such a vision."

"As a primary driver of both economic and social prosperity, it is imperative that our transportation system is modern, competitive, efficient and safe."

For more information on Saskatchewan's vision for the national transportation system, visit the Highways and Transportation web site at www.highways.gov.sk.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Doug Wakabayashi Highways and Transportation Regina Phone: (306)787-4805 Email: dwakabayashi@highways.gov.sk.ca