Fletcher welcomes further Investment in Centre Port Canada

October 13, 2009

(Winnipeg) - $3.5 million from Canada’s government will create jobs in Winnipeg by making Manitoba a leading international trade centre said the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Member of Parliament for Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia. 

“This new funding will help CentrePort develop as a key competitor in foreign trade and will create jobs in Winnipeg,” said Fletcher. “This initiative is an example of how our government’s Economic Action Plan is getting results, continuing to create jobs for Canadians.”

CentrePort Canada will be an inland port next to the James Armstrong Richardson International Airport. Taking advantage of Winnipeg’s position at the geographic centre of North America, it will become a major trade centre for the importation of goods from Asia and Europe that will then be distributed throughout Canada by air, rail and road.

Last week, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, Stockwell Day, and Manitoba Premier Gary Doer announced further investment in CentrePort Canada that will create an inland Port and major trade centre for Canada. Two new pilot projects were also announced to support CentrePort Canada. The first project will allow one-stop shopping for businesses that interact with CentrePort and the second project will raise awareness of Canada’s international trade policies.

“These two new pilot projects will support the development and start-up of CentrePort and ensure that it is one of North America’s top trade centres,” added Fletcher.