In this Commentary requested by the New Brunswick Business Journal, AIMS Executive Vice President Charles Cirtwill points out that in order to succeed this region needs to start working for each other, rather than against each other.
Montreal's Port is getting its first major investment in expansion in nearly two decades. This upgrade shares in common with Atlantica's ports and transportation infrastructure a need to plan for much needed upgrades to handle future increases in trade flows.
Questions remain about which types of investments are possible and should be made to get the best bang for the buck from the $2.1 billion Atlantic gateway fund.
The US government is spending close to a million dollars to upgrade two Maine airports from Class III to Class I status, which further improves the transportation infrastructure for business and residents.
In spite of the challenging conditions faced in Arctic transportation, development plans for the port facilities in Churchill, Manitoba, highlight the growing interest in new routes and what is needed to seize new opportunities; both valuable in the discussion over what is in store for Atlantica.
With $2.1 billion federal dollars up for graps in the Canadian Atlantic Gateway initiative, more and more players are asking what will be the criteria to determine the infrastructure projects to be funded.
Atlantica's success as a transportation hub between North American and global markets depends heavily on the state of infrastructure, both inside and outside the region. Key pieces of Canada's infrastructure are in need of repair at the same time as new investments need to be made.
The amalgamation of three ports on the west coast draws attention to an important lesson for ports in Atlantica and what they need to do to become competitive.
Attention to the rail system and how it fits into the overall set of links in transportation networks has an impact on the ability of ports to attract trade through Atlantica.
AIMS President Brian Lee Crowley argues that funding for ports in the region should focus on growth from the Port of Halifax. Increasing shipping to Halifax would be good for Atlantic Canada through spin-offs and better export opportunities for manufacturers.