The MHCA has congratulated Minister Jim Carr on his return to the federal cabinet and has asked him to support a renewed focus on investment for western trade transportation infrastructure.
“Western Canada punches above its weight when it comes to generating economic returns to Canada from trade activity,” MHCA President Chris Lorenc said.
“But the significant national infrastructure investment programs have wound-down, and that has caused Canada’s reputation as a reliable trade partner to plummet globally. Reviving that trust from global markets requires recapitalization of our trade gateways and corridor strategies, particularly those in Western Canada.”
Carr (Winnipeg South Centre) has held a number of senior Cabinet portfolios in the Trudeau government but stepped aside immediately following the fall, 2019, general election to fight cancer. With his improved health, he was formally reinstated to Cabinet Jan. 12 as special representative for the Prairies.
Lorenc said Carr’s reinstatement to Prime Minister Trudeau’s inner-circle of influence is a good thing for the Prairies and across Western Canada, given the few MPs the minority government drew from the West in the 2019 election.
The MHCA and partners in the province, region and nationally look forward to meeting with Minister Carr soon, to discuss reviving federal interest in trade transportation investment strategies, Lorenc added.