Ed Fast News

The Canadian government signed an order on Monday blocking the United States from applying controversial "Buy America" purchasing rules on the demolition and reconstruction of a ferry terminal that is located on Canada's Pacific Coast but operated by Alaska's Department of Transportation. The U.S. federal rules are designed to protect U.S. companies from foreign competition in transportation infrastructure projects. The state of Alaska has refused to waive the provisions for the $15 million rebuild of the Prince Rupert, British Columbia, ferry terminal although the project is solidly in Canadian territory. Canada is fighting back by invoking rarely used anti-sanction laws to prevent bidders on the project from agreeing to use only U.S.-made iron and steel.

Ministers Raitt and Fast Appalled by Offensive Allegation from Seafarers International Union of Canada. “We join Prime Minister Harper in expressing our anger and sadness regarding the terrorist attacks in France. Our thoughts and prayers are with the French people, especially the families and friends of the victims. “Not only is the allegation false, it is a completely offensive and inappropriate tactic to use the global threat of terrorism to fear monger against the Canada-EU trade agreement. “The timing of this release is absolutely shameful. “Canada and its allies will not be intimidated. Together, we will stand firmly against terrorists who would threaten the peace, freedom and democracy our countries so dearly value.

The Honorable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, along with the Honorable Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Minister of National Revenue, on behalf of the Honorable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, today announced infrastructure investments that will strengthen the border, improve marine container inspection capacity and improve efficiency at Port Metro Vancouver (PMV). "Our government's top priority remains the economy and creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity in every region of Canada," said Minister Fast.

The Honorable Peter Van Loan, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, on behalf of the Honorable Ed Fast, Canada’s Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, Dr. James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo—Alberni, and Mr. Robert Bennie, Chair of Nanaimo Port Authority, today announced funding for a short sea shipping project in British Columbia, further bolstering Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative (APGCI). Under APGCI, Canada’s government is contributing up to $4.65 million to modernize the Nanaimo Assembly Wharf area and rehabilitate an aging dock that has not been active for over 10 years due to its condition. Short sea shipping is a multimodal concept.

Canadian government partners with Port Metro Vancouver to improve movement of exports through the Asia-Pacific Gateway. Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Member of Parliament for Delta, Richmond East, on behalf of the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway,  announced that the Government of Canada is funding an important new project in Delta, B.C., which builds on its commitment to open new markets for Canadian exports and increase transportation and trade capacity through the Asia-Pacific Gateway.