September 23, 2013
Climate Change, Highway Safety Among Challenges to be Tackled by Transportation Experts this Week: Ashton
– – –More than 750 Delegates from Across Canada Meet in Winnipeg to Share Information at Annual Transportation Association of Canada Conference
Transportation experts from companies, governments and academic institutions across Canada will gather in Winnipeg today until Wednesday to explore ways to tackle issues affecting the industry such as climate change, highway safety and intelligent transportation systems, Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Steve Ashton announced today.
“The transportation industry contributes about $50 billion or seven per cent to the Manitoba economy each year,” said Ashton. “And with CentrePort coming online soon, it’s fitting that this year’s Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) conference will be held in Winnipeg.”
The Manitoba government and the City of Winnipeg will be jointly hosting the 2013 conference and exhibition at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.
“The City of Winnipeg is pleased to welcome the 2013 TAC conference delegates,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “Winnipeg’s history as a transportation hub goes back thousands of years and we are looking forward to showcasing the important part we play in global transportation given our strategic placement at the heart of the continent.”
More than 750 delegates are expected to participate in discussions including highway safety, intelligent transportation systems, climate-change impacts, reducing greenhouse-gas emissions in construction and environmental management.
“The Transportation Association of Canada is leading the development of the technical expertise and information exchanges vital to sustaining Canada’s role as a world leader in transportation,“ said Doug McNeil,TAC president and deputy minister, Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation. “We are committed to promoting safe, secure, efficient, effective and environmentally and financially sustainable transportation services in support of Canada’s social and economic goals.”
Ashton noted there are more than 1,200 transportation firms in Manitoba, with more than 13,000 people directly employed in the trucking sector. Studies show that for every 10 jobs created in the trucking industry, seven jobs are created in associated industries.
The transportation and warehousing industry employs about 5.7 per cent of Manitoba’s labour force and consistently contributes six to seven per cent of the provincial GDP, the minister added.
More information on the 2013 Transportation Association of Canada Conference and Exhibition is available at http://tac-atc.ca/english/annualconference/.
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