CANADIAN IMMIGRATION NEWS

Canada's New Government announces projects in Saskatoon for the Asia-Pacific Gateway

Friday, 25 May 2007

Canada's New Government announces projects in Saskatoon for the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative

Canada's New Government announces projects in Saskatoon for the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative SASKATOON, May 24 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue, on behalf of the Honourable David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, along with His Worship Donald Atchison, Mayor of the City of Saskatoon, today announced $20 million in federal funding for strategic infrastructure projects in Saskatoon under the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative (APGCI). Two projects, totalling $20 million in APGCI funding, will be undertaken by the City of Saskatoon. The two freeway interchange projects will be at Lorne Avenue and Circle Drive and at Idylwyld Freeway and Circle Drive. These projects will complement the proposed South River Crossing, which will provide a bypass link between the southeast and northwest parts of the city. The projects will also improve access to the Canadian National Railway's (CN) intermodal freight terminal located in Southwest Saskatoon, and facilitate Saskatchewan shippers' participation in Asia-Pacific trade. The local community will benefit from these projects, which will improve traffic flow, create jobs and improve the quality of life of local residents. These upgrades will have numerous benefits for both the public and trade traffic, including reduced congestion and vehicle emissions, as well as fewer travel delays for trucks crossing the city to access the CN intermodal terminal. The APGCI is a national project that will provide economic benefits to all Canadians. The Government of Canada has committed over $1 billion to the initiative and is working closely with the governments of the four Western provinces, municipal governments, regional transportation agencies and private sector leaders. The Prime Minister launched the APGCI in October 2006. Progress has already been made in construction, planning, project selection, port amalgamation, policy development, technology application and international cooperation and marketing. For more information about Canada's APGCI, please visit www.apgci.gc.ca.