Canada Waives Import Taxes on Some Ships

(Marine Log)

Jim Flaherty, Canada’s Minister of Finance, has announced a waiver of Canada’s 25 percent import tariff on imports of all general cargo vessels and tankers, as well as ferries longer than 129 meters.

Remitting the 25-per-cent tariff is expected to save shipowners $25 million per year over the next decade.

“This duty relief will accelerate the renewal of the Canadian marine fleet across the country and will help replace aging vessels with cleaner, safer and more efficient ships,” said the Chuck Strahl, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “All the while, it will build on unprecedented investments our Government has made in Canada’s infrastructure and gateways by contributing to the upgrading of marine transportation links across the country.”

Under the Customs Tariff imported ships are subject to a tariff rate of 25 per cent, the highest rate of duty for industrial goods. Read more here.

New Canadian Transport Minister Appointed

(Today’s Trucking)

John Baird, who as Canadian transport minister was overseeing important initiatives like electronic on-board recorders and a new international bridge to the U.S., has been moved to the post of government House Leader in a cabinet shakeup.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that Chuck Strahl, who was handling the Indian Affairs portfolio for the past three years, will take Baird's place at Transport Canada. [...]

It remains to be seen how the change affects trucking-related projects currently simmering on Transport Canada's stove, including plans to build a new bridge between Windsor, Ont. and Detroit. Read more here.

Ambassador Bridge Cleared for New Customs Plaza

(Brent Jang — Globe & Mail)

Canadian Border Authority Grants Approval for Facility in Windsor, But Hurdles Remain

The Canada Border Services Agency has approved plans by the Ambassador Bridge for a new customs plaza in Windsor, Ont., even though the move helps a Michigan billionaire who is embroiled in fierce fight against the Canadian government.

Manuel (Matty) Moroun, who wants to build a new crossing next to his 80-year-old Ambassador Bridge over the Detroit River, has satisfied the CBSA that he has the land amassed to allow Canadian customs officers to carry out their duties, according to a 35-page report commissioned by the federal agency.

Mr. Moroun had “submitted an environmental impact statement in December, 2007, proposing a new six-lane replacement bridge immediately adjacent to the west of the Ambassador Bridge,” said the report by consulting firm Arup Canada Inc. But Ottawa required that Mr. Moroun first gain CBSA approval before Transport Canada would review any environmental assessment. Read more here.

Related: Windsor council sued by Ambassador Bridge (Windsor Star)

Ministers Day and Baird Tour Port Facilities in British Columbia

(Transport Canada)

Today the Honourable Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, and Canada’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister John Baird concluded their tour of port facilities in Kitimat and Prince Rupert, British Columbia.

“These ports are vital to boost trade between Canada and the growing economies of the Asia-Pacific region,” said Minister Day. “They provide Canada with a crucial edge in the competition among North American west coast ports for business with Asia. This is another example of the competitive economic advantage that our government is aggressively promoting.”

“Our visit was a great opportunity to see the investments our government is making to modernize and strengthen the ports in this region,” added Baird. “As demonstrated by today’s tour, our investments have paid off and helped attract more business.”

During their visit, both ministers toured the harbour facilities in Kitimat, where they saw first-hand why the area is increasingly recognized as a strategic hub to support Canada’s energy development in the northwest region. Kitimat industries have produced up to 12 per cent of British Columbia’s manufacturing GDP and currently export over $1 billion a year in manufactured products.

The visit continued at the Port of Prince Rupert, the second-largest deep-sea port on Canada’s West Coast and the deepest natural harbour in North America. With dedicated grain, coal, forest products, specialty grain and container-handling facilities, the port handled 12.2 million tonnes of cargo in 2009, up 15 per cent from the previous year. Shipping through the Port of Prince Rupert reduces steaming time between Asia and North America by two to three days and cuts a further one to two days off the dwell time at the container port, resulting in a three- to five-day time saving (over a normal 17-day trip). From Prince Rupert, rail links can quickly transport goods right into the heart of North America.

Operations at the Port of Prince Rupert and the Port of Kitimat contribute to the economic well-being of these communities. An economic impact study released by the Port Rupert Port Authority demonstrated that, as of October 2009, the port was a significant economic generator, with direct employment related to operations totalling 1,500 jobs.

While in Prince Rupert, the ministers toured the Fairview Container Terminal. They also visited Ridley Terminals, a federal Crown corporation that operates a bulk handling terminal for the efficient and reliable movement of coal and other bulk commodities.

Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway is a system of transportation infrastructure that includes British Columbia Lower Mainland and Prince Rupert ports, road and rail connections that reach across Western Canada and into the economic heartland of North America, as well as major airports and border crossings. Since 2006, the Government of Canada, through its Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative, has partnered with B.C. and other western provinces, municipalities and the private sector to undertake strategic infrastructure projects worth more than $2.8 billion, including federal contributions of over $1 billion.

Canada Launches Air Cargo Security Plan

(Journal of Commerce Online)

Government expects 100% shipment screening in five years

Canada will phase in 100% screening of air cargo under a new program that will include some US$90 million of funding to improve security for shipping at the country’s airports.

Canadian Transport Minister John Baird said the program would also include training for companies on how to watch for security lapses in the supply chain, X-ray scanning and the addition of bomb-sniffing dogs. “We must remember that terrorism is not just something that happens somewhere else to someone else," Baird said in announcing the program at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Read more here.

Billionaire’s Planned Bridge a Potential Target: Baird

(Brent Jang — Globe & Mail)

Transport Minister – who supports public option – says close proximity to Ambassador Bridge puts both private spans at risk of terrorist attack

In the battle of the bridge, federal Transport Minister John Baird is playing the terrorism card.

Plans by Michigan billionaire Manuel (Matty) Moroun to build a new span next to his Ambassador Bridge would make the continent’s busiest commercial crossing a juicy target for terrorists who could block billions of dollars in Canada-U.S. trade for months, Mr. Baird says.

Mr. Moroun, 82, wants to build a new Detroit-Windsor span only 30 metres west of the Ambassador Bridge, but Ottawa is supporting a rival proposal for a new government-backed crossing three kilometres down the Detroit River.

Mr. Baird said if Mr. Moroun succeeds in adding a new span so close to his privately owned Ambassador Bridge, police will face a major security threat. “If those bridges ever went down, the Ontario and Michigan economies within a matter of days would be on their knees,” the minister said in an interview Monday. Read more here.

Related information from Transport Canada:

• Minister Issues Statement Regarding a New Windsor-Detroit Crossing

• Fact Sheet – Detroit River International Crossing

Port Calls for Commercial Approach in National Rail Freight Service Recommendations

(CanadaNewsWire)

In an effort to highlight the critical importance of rail service to the success of Canada’s Asia Pacific Gateway, Port Metro Vancouver is calling on Ottawa to implement a commercial approach to defining, measuring, monitoring and ensuring a high level of rail service. The Port proposed its recommendations on Friday in a detailed submission to the Transport Canada Rail Freight Service Review Panel.

“Optimal rail performance is a critical factor in achieving the Port’s goal to develop the most reliable and consistent supply chain in North America,” said Robin Silvester, President and CEO, Port Metro Vancouver. “We are confident that the Rail Freight Service Review will lead to meaningful and actionable recommendations for government’s consideration in its effort to maximize Canadian trade.”

Access the complete report here.

Feds Give $50 Million to Improve Traffic Flow at [Vancouver] Ports

(Vancouver Sun – Fiona Anderson)

The federal government is providing almost $50 million to make truck and train traffic run more smoothly at Vancouver’s ports.

The sum – up to $49.7 million – is part of a $125-million upgrade that will add 11 overpasses – one on Powell Street in east Vancouver and the rest on port lands on the south side of Burrard Inlet – to improve rail and road access to the terminals. The improvements will also accommodate longer trains travelling through the port lands and lead to shorter wait times for trucks and other vehicles.

The remaining money for the projects will be provided by Port Metro Vancouver and local container and grain terminals, as well as the City of Vancouver and Canadian National and Canadian Pacific railways.

These projects will not only improve the flow of traffic but will also create and sustain jobs “in the midst of the worst global recession in half a century,” Prime Minister Stephen Harper told a news conference at Ballantyne Pier. “They are as well laying the foundations for the longer-term prosperity of our country by creating the infrastructure that will strengthen our trading relationships with the rising economic powers of Asia,” Harper said. Read more here.

Prime Minister Delivers Sault Bridge Plaza Funds

(Northern Ontario Business)

Funds have finally arrived to rebuild the Canada Customs plaza at the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and federal Transport Minister John Baird were in the Sault, Sept. 2, to deliver $44 million from the Gateways and Border Crossings infrastructure fund.

The money will be used to expand and redesign the plaza including a new traffic building, inspection booths and lanes for commercial and private vehicles. The project will begin this fall and be completed by 2014.

“This bridge is the tangible link with our American neighbours and the pathway for friends, commerce and tourism,” said Sault MP Tony Martin in a statement.

The bridge is jointly owned and operated by the State of Michigan and the St. Mary’s River Bridge Corporation, a subsidiary of the Federal Bridge Corporation. Read more here.

Canada and Japan Expand Bilateral Air Transport Agreement

(Canada-Asia News Service – Transport Canada)

The Government of Canada has reached an agreement with Japan to expand the existing bilateral air transport agreement between the two countries. The expanded agreement allows airlines to offer unlimited services between Canada and any city in Japan outside of the Tokyo area. It also allows, for the first time, under certain conditions, access to Haneda Airport,

Tokyo’s metropolitan airport. The agreement further includes modernized aviation safety and security provisions and provides mechanisms for airline prices to adapt faster to market fluctuations.

Government of Canada Announces Safety Regulations to Support the International Bridges and Tunnels Act, 2007

(Transport Canada)

Regulations are now in effect requiring owners of Canada's 24 international bridges and tunnels to inspect and report to the Minister of Transport on the safety of their structures on a regular basis.

The regulations apply to the Canadian sections of all of the vehicular international bridges and tunnels, and put into place requirements concerning reporting and scheduled inspections. There are also stipulations that require owners to provide the Minister of Transport with reports every two years on maintenance and operations of these structures. In addition, the reports would identify any necessary actions to ensure the structures are kept in good condition.

"These new safety measures will help ensure that international bridges and tunnels remain safe and secure for all who use them," said Canada's Transport Minister, John Baird. "They also demonstrate our government's commitment to the safety of Canadians and those who come to Canada for business and tourism. The safety of this important transportation infrastructure is also important to protect the vital trade links on which our economy depends."

The International Bridges and Tunnels Act, which received Royal Assent in 2007, has formalized the federal government's oversight responsibility for the operation, maintenance and security of international bridges and tunnels. The regulations will help satisfy this oversight responsibility.

The regulations were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on February 18, 2009, and are now in effect.There are currently 24 international vehicular bridges and tunnels, and nine international railway structures with various forms of ownership and governance structures.

North American Heartland Port of Choice Study

(Transport Canada)

Transport Canada is embarking on a “due diligence” analysis concerning future infrastructure investments for marine gateways and other transportation entities (e.g. road, rail, intermodal) related to the projected movement of freight to / from the centre of Canada and the U.S. Mid-West (The North American Heartland), and offshore markets.

We are requesting your participation in a web-based questionnaire to help Transport Canada better understand the decision making process in determining ports of call. Your participation as a shipper/receiver will provide us with insights on the critical drivers of your choice. This study will also help inform Transport Canada on what type of future Canadian investments are needed, as ports in Canada, U.S. and Mexico increasingly compete for supplying transportation services to the North American Heartland.

You can access the English version of the survey here and the French version here.

The Government of Canada Will Invest Over $3.5 million in Prince George, B.C. Transportation Infrastructure

(Transport Canada)

The federal government, under the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative, will invest a total of $3.5 million in two road projects in Prince George.

This represents a joint investment in excess of $7 million with the City of Prince George. Richard Harris, MP for Cariboo-Prince George, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and the Honourable James Moore, Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific Gateway) (2010 Olympics) (Official Languages).

“Connecting North America and the Asia-Pacific more efficiently and reliably benefits local communities, the Canadian economy as well as Canada’s trading partners,” said Mr. Harris. “These projects will help relieve road congestion and make roads in our community safer.”

“The Government of Canada is committed to concrete measures that contribute to a more productive and competitive economy. The Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative is an important example,” said the Honourable James Moore.

“These projects will enhance transportation infrastructure safety and efficiency related to the movement of international trade through Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor.”

Improvements to two concurrent sections of River Road were selected for funding, following a call for proposals.

The projects involve:

• upgrading of 1.9 km between Cameron Street Bridge and Foley Crescent; and

• widening of 1.7 km between Foley Crescent and the CN Fraser River Bridge and installing left turn lanes to access the CN facility.

River Road is the primary road access to CN’s Intermodal facility in Prince George and improving traffic flow along this corridor is essential to the community and the businesses that use this route.

“The Government of Canada has made the economic growth and competitiveness of northern British Columbia with Asia top priorities,” said Minister Cannon. “The Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative reflects the importance this government places in an integrated, safe, secure, and sustainable transportation system.”

On October 11, 2006, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative (APGCI), with an initial investment of $591 million. A further commitment of $410 million was made in Budget 2007, bringing total federal funding for the APGCI to more than $1 billion.

In two years, the Government of Canada has partnered with British Columbia and other western provinces, municipalities and the private sector, to announce strategic infrastructure projects worth more than $2.4 billion, including federal contributions of almost $900 million.

Through its unprecedented $33-billion Building Canada plan, the Government of Canada will provide long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada. Federal funding for these projects is conditional upon the negotiation of contribution agreements, approval by the federal Treasury Board and completion of any applicable federal environmental assessments required under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.

Transport Minister Tables Amendments to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992 in Parliament

(Transport Canada)

The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today tabled amendments to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992 in the House of Commons. The amendments would enhance security and safety in the transport of dangerous goods.

“Our government is committed to ensuring public safety and security when dangerous goods are imported, handled or transported in Canada,” said Minister Cannon. “The proposed amendments would make it possible for Transport Canada to prevent and respond to security threats while still maintaining access to markets for Canadians involved in the cross-border transportation of dangerous goods.”

The proposed amendments would introduce a number of changes, including the following:

• They would reinforce the existing Emergency Response Assistance Program, which requires emergency response assistance plans to be in place in the event of safety incidents involving dangerous goods. It would also make it possible for Transport Canada to request the implementation of such plans in the case of a terrorist or other security incident.

• The amendments would require security training and screening of personnel working with dangerous goods.

• The changes would enable the drafting of regulations requiring that dangerous goods be tracked during transport and that incidents involving loss or theft be reported. The amendments would enable the use of security measures and interim orders, in accordance with the Public Safety Act and other legislation.

• The proposed amendments would enable the development of a program to require a transportation security clearance for dangerous goods, including an appeals process that would operate like the existing Aeronautics Act clearance program.

• The proposed changes would also amend the concept of “importer” to clarify who in Canada is subject to the requirements of the Act and its regulations with respect to the importing of dangerous goods.

The updated Act would remain focused on the prevention of incidents when dangerous goods are offered, handled, transported or imported. Following the coming into force of the amended legislation, Transport Canada would continue to consult the public, industry, first responders, and provincial and territorial governments as the department drafts the security regulations necessary to support its new authorities.

A backgrounder with more information is attached is available here. For additional information about the review of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992, visit the Transport Canada website.

Transport Canada Air Cargo Security Program

Transport Canada has announced the launch and implementation of its Secure Supply Chain Management System (SSCMS) as of June 2, 2008, which is a Known Shipper data base for air cargo purposes. Air carriers and freight forwarders participating in Transport Canada’s Air Cargo Security Program (ACSP) will be able to use SSCMS to determine a shipper’s status (ie. whether the shipper is a “known” shipper) and whether and how the shipper’s cargo may be transported by air.

Processing to achieve Registered or Conditionally Registered status for shippers normally takes up to thirty (30) days from the date the shipper’s data is received from a participating air carrier or freight forwarder. In the interim, cargo from shippers who are Not Registered will be subject to air transportation limitations and additional security processes. For example, the cargo may have to be transported on all cargo aircraft or subjected to a search before being transported on a passenger aircraft.

Shippers should check with their air carriers and freight forwarders to determine whether the air carrier or freight forwarder is participating in the ACSP and whether the carrier or freight forwarder has included the shipper in the SSCMS data base.

Air carriers and freight forwarders not participating in the ACSP will not have access to SSCMS or be able to submit companies for inclusion as Registered Shippers.

SSCMS will continue to be populated with shipper and other data after June 2nd in order to allow ACSP participants to submit additional information and accommodate new clients.

Participants will also be permitted to use their existing known shipper lists, until the department makes changes to the Air Carrier Security Measures, to allow them sufficient time to submit their current known shippers for registration.

For more information, you may consult the Air Cargo Security Bulletins on the Transport Canada website here and here.