Nova Scotia Raises Transportation Issues

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS -Nova Scotia Raises Transportation Issues

Nova Scotia's Minister of Transportation and Public Works renewed the call today for long-term federal funding for highways and other infrastructure.

Ron Russell co-chaired today's meeting of the Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety, held in Halifax.

"The provinces have clearly stated that our roads, railways, ports and smaller airports need serious attention," he said, "We rely on our basic infrastructure for economic development and for tourism."

"We recognize that the events of September 11 in the United States place added pressures on the federal government," said Mr. Russell. "But we can't ignore the very real needs that have been identified in Nova Scotia and elsewhere. We have to work together to reinforce the vital contribution that the transportation sector makes to our economic and social well-being."

Mr. Russell said Nova Scotia wants to co-operate with other provinces and the federal government to develop a transportation blueprint that guides policy development in the years ahead.

Because today's meeting was shorter than planned, ministers will address outstanding issues at a meeting that's expected to be held in Ottawa, January 2002.

For Broadcast Use:

Ministers from across Canada responsible for

transportation met in Halifax today. While the terrorism attacks

in the United States were on the agenda, the provinces continued

to lobby the federal government for more infrastructure money,

especially for highways.

Nova Scotia's Transportation Minister Ron Russell says he

wants to work with Ottawa and the provinces to map out a new

transportation strategy, to address issues such as highway

funding and support for smaller airports.

Ministers will address outstanding issues at a meeting

to be held in Ottawa in January.