SASKATCHEWAN CALLS FOR ACTION ON TRANSPORTATION STRATEGY

The Council of the Federation's national transportation strategy provides a blueprint for renewal of Canada's transportations system and underlines the need for a new partnership with the federal government, according to the provincial government.

"For Canada to succeed in the world marketplace, we need to build and maintain a modern transportation system - one that is safe, secure and supportive to the global trading network," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "The first step in achieving this goal is a renewed partnership with the federal government."

Premier Calvert was commenting on today's release of the Council of the Federation's national transportation strategy document, Looking to the Future: A Plan for Investing in Canada's Transportation System. The strategy proposes a new transportation funding partnership, identifies a strategic transportation network, describes preliminary provincial and territorial priorities and recommends changes to the policy framework. The strategy identifies $97 billion in capital investment priorities, to be delivered over the next decade. Strategic priorities in Saskatchewan include the twinning of Highway 11 between Saskatoon and Prince Albert and the construction of bypasses around Regina and Saskatoon, objectives that could be achieved within 10 years with a renewed partnership with the federal government. Further priorities include the completion of twinning of Highway 1 and Highway 16 between the Battlefords and Lloydminister, currently targeted for 2007.

"Creating a transportation system that is truly integrated and multi-modal is key to ensuring Canada and Saskatchewan's competitiveness in the global marketplace and generating economic development," Calvert said. "For this reason, my government will continue to provide leadership on infrastructure renewal both at home and nationally."

Transportation is a key contributor to economic development both nationally and provincially. Saskatchewan's economy in particular is heavily reliant on an integrated and efficient transportation system, with export generating approximately two-thirds of provincial GDP.

"For jurisdictions to move forward on the priorities identified in the strategy, a similar commitment from the federal government is required," Highways and Transportation Minister Eldon Lautermilch said. "A revitalized partnership with the federal government on the national transportation system would free up resources for provinces to pursue priorities of a more regional or local nature, like upgrading transportation corridors that support our provincial economy and ensures the safety of our citizens."

The Council of the Federation is comprised of all 13 provincial and territorial premiers. It enables premiers to work collaboratively to strengthen the Canadian federation by fostering a constructive relationship among the provinces and territories, and with the federal government.

To learn more and obtain a copy of the strategy document, visit www.councilofthefederation.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Doug Wakabayashi Highways and Transportation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4804