Canada: Future transport policy framework

Institute of Transportation Engineers. ITE Journal, Apr 2003

On February 25, 2003, Canadas transport minister introduced his vision for the future of Canada's transportation system: "Straight Ahead-A Vision for Transportation in Canada."

According to a Transport Canada news release, the report provides specific direction and a call to action in several areas, including:

* Maintaining safety and security as the cornerstones of Canada's transportation policy, with a clear focus on the need to continually improve safety and security.

* An emphasis on infrastructure investments aimed at reducing congestion in cities and bottlenecks at the Canada-U.S. border and in trade corridors.

* A focus on environmental issues with specific measures, such as increased use of alternative modes of transportation for passenger travel and more efficient transportation of goods.

* Support for partnerships to address skills shortages and innovation challenges in the transportation sector.

This call to action is based on seven principles: 1) the highest practicable safety and security of life and property; 2) efficient movement of people and goods; 3) respect for the environment; 4) user pricing that better reflects the full costs of transportation activity and transportation infrastructure decisions that meet user needs; 5) reasonable access to the national transportation system for Canada's remote regions; 6) accessibility for persons with disabilities; and 7) partnerships and integration among jurisdictions and with the private sector.

The document is available in several formats at www.tc.gc.ca/ aboutus/straightahead/publications.htm.