POLICY MONITOR CANADA » Transportation

Pacific Policy Agreements

Admin — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 05:10:49 +0000

PACIFIC LEADERS TAKE ACTION
ON CLEAN ENERGY, TRANSPORTATION, OCEAN CONSERVATION

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Leaders from British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington have signed onto a series of joint actions that will help create jobs, strengthen the Pacific Coast economy, advance action on climate change and clean energy, and protect the marine environment.

The actions were ratified today during the inaugural Leaders’ Forum of the Pacific Coast Collaborative. Established by British Columbia’s premier and Pacific Coast governors in June 2008, the collaborative’s founding agreement pledges the participating governments to forge a partnership for leadership, co-operative action, and a common voice on issues affecting the Pacific coast region.

The meeting was hosted by Premier Gordon Campbell of British Columbia and chaired by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California. Governor Christine Gregoire of Washington, and Secretary of State Kate Brown representing the state of Oregon, and Governor Ted Kulongoski also attended. The forum took advantage of participants being in Vancouver to attend the opening of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

“The agreements signed today are an important step towards advancing North America’s West Coast as a global leader in the new low-carbon economy, ocean health, renewable energy and transportation,” said Premier Campbell. “I want to thank the governors for coming to British Columbia to help us celebrate the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and for continuing to work with us to build a strong economy and sustainable region for our citizens.”

“The actions we are taking today will build a stronger economy and a stronger environment for communities throughout the Pacific region and beyond,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “The Pacific Coast Collaborative has shown that by taking meaningful action and showing determined leadership, the rest of the world will follow the steps we are taking to build a better future. I want to thank Premier Campbell, Governor Gregoire and Governor Kulongoski for helping our entire region move forward through this important collaborative.”

“Those of us here today recognize the challenges of a changing climate and a changing economy,” Governor Gregoire said. “By acting together, we can show the world that it is possible, and necessary, to embrace solutions that address both.”

“These agreements demonstrate our collective commitment to protecting the health of the West Coast’s ocean and the ecosystems and economies that depend on them,” Governor Kulongoski said. “Taking strong action now means a stronger tomorrow for our coastal communities.”

Two action plans were signed by the leaders today: Innovation, the Environment and the Economy; and Ocean Conservation and Coastal Climate Change Adaptation.

The Action Plan on Innovation, the Environment and the Economy sets out a series of co-operative initiatives to promote renewable and low-carbon energy and energy conservation, including developing Interstate 5/Highway 99 as a green transportation corridor. It also promotes development of high-speed rail from San Diego to Vancouver and the move to “Green Ports” through co-operation to reduce local air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.

The Action Plan on Ocean Conservation and Coastal Climate Change Adaptation focuses on co-operation on invasive species, reductions in toxins and other pollutants, promoting sustainable fisheries management and research into impacts from climate change and adaptation options.

The forum also saw the leaders consider and release for further discussion and public input a “Vision 2030” paper intended to serve as a living document for the Pacific Coast Collaborative. The paper sets out a strategic vision for the future of Pacific North America and regional collaboration. The objective is to ensure that west coast jurisdictions achieve global leadership in sustainable economic development – attracting new jobs and encouraging investment and innovation while enhancing an already unparalleled quality of life.

The leaders also unveiled a new, shared PCC website to facilitate regional sharing of information and best practices between governments and with citizens. It is online at: http://www.pacificcoastcollaborative.org. The documents signed today can also be found on this site.

Leaders welcomed Oregon Governor Kulongoski’s offer to host and chair the next PCC Leaders Forum in November 2010.

BACKGROUNDER

PACIFIC COAST COLLABORATIVE 2010 ACTION PLANS

The Pacific Coast Collaborative

On June 30, 2008, the premier of British Columbia and the governors of Alaska, California, Oregon and Washington signed the Memorandum to Establish the Pacific Coast Collaborative, the first agreement that brings together the Pacific leaders as a common front to set a co-operative direction. The Pacific Coast Collaborative is a formal basis for co-operative action, a forum for leadership and information sharing, and a common voice on issues facing Pacific North America. The following were set as priority areas for action:

Clean energy
Regional transportation
Innovation, research and development
Sustainable regional economy
Emergency management
Any other areas of common interest

The Memorandum establishing the Pacific Coast Collaborative provides a framework for the development, discussion and adoption of specific agreements or action plans applying to all participating jurisdictions or for those applying to as few as just two jurisdictions.

The Feb. 12, 2010 meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia was the first annual Leaders’ Forum of the Pacific Coast Collaborative. During the session, the leaders of British Columbia, California, Oregon and Washington agreed to two action plans:

1.Action Plan on Innovation, the Environment and the Economy

Actions on Renewable and Low Carbon Energy include:

o Promote development and delivery of renewable and low carbon energy in areas including: solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, hydropower, tidal/wave energy.

o Support the Western Renewable Energy Zone (WREZ) Project to ensure cost-effective and environmentally-sensitive development of renewable low-carbon energy.

o Share data and best practices to minimize environmental impacts from renewable low-carbon energy development.

o Harmonize definitions of low impact renewable resources, starting with hydropower.

o Seek collaborations on forest product innovation for renewable energy.

Actions on Energy Conservation include:

o Participate in Pacific Coast symposia on energy equipment.

o Encourage a “Conservation First” program for regional electrical, gas utilities to encourage lower consumer energy demand, and collaborate on pilot projects for industrial energy efficiency.

o Promote a wood-building culture and regional forest product innovations for renewable energy.

o Collaborate on pilot projects for industrial energy efficiency.

o Share information on efficiency standards in building codes.

o Leverage energy-efficiency standards for public buildings.

o Partner to promote green and living communities.

o Collaborate on a vision to establish “net-zero community energy” homes and buildings.

Actions on Transportation include:

o Work with government agencies and private sector partners on further study into a high-speed passenger rail from San Diego to Vancouver, B.C.

o Build a Pacific Green Highway through continued support for transformation of Interstate 5 (US) / Highway 99 (B.C.) corridor to establish infrastructure for alternative fuels including through public-private partnerships.

o Collaborate and share information such as permitting, codes and standards on all electric and plug-in electric hybrid vehicles and hydrogen vehicles; maximize results from research and commercialization efforts.

o Create consistent roadside signage for alternative fuel stations.

o Collaborate on next generation biofuels, including cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel blends.

o Collaborate on public fleet vehicle purchases to maximise purchase leverage.

o Maximize results from university research and commercialization efforts.

o Work towards “Green Ports” through synchronized policies and regulations that provide incentives for and encourage development of innovative and sustainable technologies to reduce fine particulates, hazardous air pollutants, greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.

2.Action Plan on Ocean Conservation and Coastal Climate Change Adaptation

Actions on Ocean Health and Conservation include:

o Co-operate on the prevention and clean-up of marine debris.

o Co-operate to prevent or reduce the spread of invasive species.

o Collaborate on best practices for reducing risks from toxins and non point source pollution.

o Promote sustainable fisheries management.

Actions on Coastal Climate Change Adaptation include:

o Research and share data on impacts from possible changes to marine and coastal environments and changes in ocean acidity.

o Share information to address adaptation needs such flood protection and land use decisions.

Actions on Ocean Research and Innovation include:

o Support funding by federal governments for the long-term maintenance of ocean observing systems.

o Support sharing of ocean research and innovation including seafloor mapping.

-30-

BACKGROUNDER

VISION 2030: POSITIONING PACIFIC NORTH AMERICA FOR

SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY

Leaders from British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington released for public input a discussion paper, “Vision 2030”. The paper sets out a strategic vision for regional collaboration. It attempts to answer the question: “What could Pacific North America look like in 2030?“

The objective is to ensure that west coast jurisdictions achieve global leadership in sustainable economic development – attracting new jobs and encouraging investment and innovation while enhancing an already unparalleled quality of life.

“Vision 2030” outlines a possible future under the headings of:

Harnessing the Power of Collaboration
A Sustainable Regional Economy in 2030
Creating Green jobs
Building Economically Sustainable Communities
An Innovative Economy
Creating Regional Networks of Innovation
Providing Innovative Education and Skills Training
A Low-Carbon Economy
Promoting Renewable Energy
Accelerating Clean Transportation
Connecting High Speed Rail
Utilizing Green Ports
A Conservation Economy
Building a Smart Grid
Constructing Green Buildings and Communities
Getting to Zero Waste
Promoting Resource Conservation
A Secure Regional Economy
Establishing Emergency Management Systems
Adapting to Climate Change.

The document was released Feb. 12, 2010 by the Premier of British Columbia and the governors of California, Oregon and Washington on the occasion of the first Leaders’ Forum of the Pacific Coast Collaborative in Vancouver, B.C.

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.

Review of Railway Cost of Capital

Admin — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:20:09 +0000

Review of Railway Cost of Capital Methodology

- January 18, 2010
A review of the Canadian Transportation Agency’s (Agency) cost of capital methodology is currently in progress. The review is being conducted in two phases: a study phase and a hearing phase. In the study phase, an independent consultant will examine existing cost of capital methodologies and principles. The consultant will also review the Agency’s current cost of capital methodology and the cost of capital methodologies used by other economic regulatory bodies. When this phase has concluded, there will be a hearing phase during which a panel of Agency Members will consider the consultant’s report and gather evidence from railway companies, shippers and other interested parties to ascertain if there is a potentially superior methodology or methodologies, or improvements that should be made, to the Agency’s current “benchmark” methodology. During the study phase, interested parties will be given the opportunity to provide feedback at specific points in the process as outlined in the Terms of Reference. Submissions should be forwarded to:

Canadian Transportation Agency
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0N9

January 18, 2010 – Final Terms of Reference Distributed to Stakeholders

Correspondence from the Agency Secretary – January 18, 2010
Distribution List
Final Terms of Reference [PDF]

New Brunswick 2010 Budget

Admin — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:06:50 +0000

2010-2011 Budget

Creating Opportunities Today for Self-Sufficiency Tomorrow

On Dec. 1, 2009, Finance Minister Greg Byrne tabled the 2010-2011 Budget in the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly. The budget builds on historic tax relief that was announced in the 2009-2010 Budget. It also includes adding $400 million to the record two-year $1.2 billion in capital expenditures announced in the previous budget. These funds are used for renovations to universities, colleges and hospitals, as well as road and bridge work.

The 2010-2011 Budget focuses on creating opportunities through investments in health care, education and services to New Brunswickers.

It shows how the next phase in the plan for lower taxes will deliver savings of $258 million to individuals and businesses.

Below you will find a link to detailed accounts of all areas associated with the 2010-2011 Budget.

Speech
Delivering Lower Taxes for New Brunswickers
News Release
Economic Update
Main Estimates

CANADA AND INDIA ADVANCE COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

Admin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:55:28 +0000

CANADA AND INDIA ADVANCE COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

Canada and India took the next step toward a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA), as the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, and Shri Anand Sharma, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, today signed papers to establish a joint study group.

The signing of this memorandum of understanding was witnessed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and India’s Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh.

“We have seen significant progress since my first visit to India in January, where we announced the initiation of discussions. India has been most supportive. The creation of this joint study group marks an important step forward in our discussions,” said Minister Day.

“A comprehensive economic partnership agreement would help expand trade, open doors for Canadian exporters, encourage economic growth and create jobs in both our countries.”

The joint study group will be comprised of officials from both Canada and India. It will look at key sectors of interest and the possible parameters of a CEPA.

The group is expected to finalize its report within six months. A CEPA with India could deliver commercial benefits to many sectors of the Canadian economy, including forest products, nickel, aircraft, electrical machinery, fish and seafood products and agricultural products.

The Government of Canada held public consultations from March to April 2009 to seek input from Canadians on developing a CEPA with India.

This is Minister Day’s third visit to India since January. In September, the Minister opened the new trade office in Ahmedabad, in the state of Gujarat. With a total of eight trade offices in India, the Government of Canada has created one of Canada’s most extensive trade networks anywhere in the world.

Canadian two-way merchandise trade with India reached an all-time high of $4.6 billion in 2008, up 22.5 percent over 2007. Merchandise exports to India in 2008 totalled $2.4 billion—an impressive 35-percent increase over the year before—and the commercial relationship between the two countries continues to grow. From January to August 2009 alone, Canada’s exports to India were up by three percent despite the effects of the global economic downturn.

B.C. MANAGES OFF-ROAD VEHICLES

Admin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:19:33 +0000

KAMLOOPS – Rules for off-road vehicle registration and licensing, helmet use, youth safety and environmental measures will be implemented over the next two years under a new off-road vehicle (ORV) management framework, announced Tourism, Culture and the Arts Minister Kevin Krueger today.

“We’ve heard much from ORV groups, the public, and other stakeholders, including the chief coroner and the Union of BC Municipalities on this topic,” said Krueger. “There is a broad consensus that it is time for ORV regulations; we have a common vision and a solid blueprint for action.”

Under the new framework, all ORV riders using Crown land will require one-time registration with a licence plate for their machines, in addition to wearing helmets and using lights at night. Age-appropriate safety measures and adult supervision will be required for young riders.

All ORVs will require registration and licensing at time of sale and re-sale. New standards for mufflers will minimize the noise impact on wildlife and spark arrestors will reduce the risk of forest fires. Additional measures to connect communities and trail networks will mean licensed ORV riders will be able to cross public roads more conveniently with an annual vehicle licence and basic insurance.

“This initiative, in part, is about allowing law enforcement officials to track stolen ORV’s, something almost impossible today. It is absolutely not about taking away anyone’s safe, responsible fun,” said Minister of Community and Rural Development Bill Bennett. “I own a quad, and I know this is the right thing to do. Recreationists have lots of fun riding their ORVs in Ontario and Quebec with a similar system and it will work well here in B.C. too.’

“The requirement to display a licence plate on ORVs will make it possible for conservation officers, park rangers and law enforcement agencies to identify those who are damaging sensitive habitat or harassing wildlife, so they can be held accountable,” said Environment Minister Barry Penner. “It will also give members of the public a way to help us by calling our toll-free 1-877-952-RAPP (7277) line to report licence plate numbers of irresponsible operators.”

“For over 30 years, we’ve known that B.C. has lagged behind when it comes to ORV regulations, to the detriment of personal safety, environmental responsibility, tourism potential and enhancement of ORV sport,” said Bruno Delesalle, co-chair of the ORV Coalition, also the executive director for the Grasslands Conservation Council. “The coalition is pleased that the provincial government, after receiving 47 recommendations from coalition stakeholders, is taking action with the implementation of expanded regulations for all ORVs.”

“We expect that these regulations will improve safety, environmental impacts and trail development for ORV use, as well as make those who are currently causing property and environmental damage accountable,” said Bev Felske, co-chair of the ORV Coalition, and member of the Quad Riders Association of B.C. “This is an incredible province to explore and work on the land; the majority of riders do so responsibly, and those that do not will now be identifiable and liable for their actions.”

The proposed framework is the result of extensive consultations over a number of years with a wide variety of interested organizations. The regulations define ORVs as including dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles, and will not apply to private lands.

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.

Yukoners to Receive Secure Driver’s Licences

Admin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:17:21 +0000

Yukoners to Receive Secure Driver’s Licences
October 7, 2009

WHITEHORSE – Yukon drivers and citizens will be issued new secure driver’s licences and government identification cards beginning as early as next summer.

“The new secure driver’s licence will meet national and international driver’s licence standards,” Community Services Minister Archie Lang said today. “The new licences will eliminate difficulties Yukon citizens have faced when using their current licence in other jurisdictions.”

Canada introduces proposed passenger safety regulations

Admin — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:16:52 +0000

The Government of Canada introduces proposed new regulations to protect passengers and crew aboard vessels Related posts:Canada: Small Vessel Regulations Proposed Changes to Canadian Aviation Regulations Canada Proposed amendments to the Aviation Occupational Health and Safety Regulations Related posts:

Nova Scotia Amendments to Motor Vehicle Act Proposed

Admin — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 01:05:43 +0000

Amendments to Motor Vehicle Act Proposed Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister Ramona Jennex tabled amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act today, Sept. 29, that will address the issue of Certificate of Registration fees for vehicle dealerships. 2009-09-29 14:18 (full text)

Canada Proposed amendments to the Aviation Occupational Health and Safety Regulations

Admin — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:58:11 +0000

Liaison Bulletin No. 80: Proposed amendments to the Aviation Occupational Health and Safety Regulations

The 2008 NWT Traffic Collisions Facts report

Admin — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:40:48 +0000

Safe Travel Choices Needed to Reduce Injuries and Deaths From Traffic Collisions
R(16)280 - Thursday, October 01, 2009
The 2008 NWT Traffic Collisions Facts report is now available. The report, which summarizes information on collisions on the roads, streets, and trails of the Northwest Territories (NWT), shows an almost 17% increase in the number of collisions in 2008 over the previous year.