Harper Conservatives mum on B.C. ports dispute with the U.S.

For Immediate Release
June 9, 2009 

OTTAWA – A dispute has broken out between Canada and the U.S. over the Vancouver and Prince Rupert ports – and yet the Harper government still remains silent on the matter, Liberal Critic for the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Western Economic Diversification Sukh Dhaliwal said today.

Liberal MPs raised the issue in the House of Commons today, in response to the news that American port officials have leveled a complaint to the U.S. trade representative against the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert in British Columbia, arguing that upgrades to railways and port facilities are unfair and illegal subsidies.

“U.S. ports receive similar investments from the U.S. government, yet this complaint follows the alarming trend towards protectionism in the United States, with huge repercussions on the Canadian economy,” said Mr. Dhaliwal. “British Columbians and all Canadians deserve some answers as to why this government has been so silent on this critical issue to our economy. What are they doing to help B.C. ports successfully face this challenge?”

Port officials in the U.S. have argued that the $283 million spent to upgrade rail routes to Prince Rupert and Vancouver, and $60 million for the Prince Rupert port are illegal subsidies under the World Trade Organization.

“Necessary improvements to roads and rail are subject to trade talks,” pointed out Mr. Dhaliwal. “Unlike its U.S. counterparts, the port of Vancouver does not receive any operation subsidy from government. As Port Metro Vancouver has made clear, any improvements to transportation infrastructure in the Lower Mainland were of only indirect benefit.

“When is this government going to start standing up for Canada and send a clear message to the U.S. that road and rail improvements are not ‘illegal subsidies?’” he said.

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Contact:
Office of MP Sukh Dhaliwal
613-992-0666