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Advocacy & Policy

2010 - 2011 Policy & Positions Manual

<< back to Statements of Policy

Transportation

The establishment of long-term integrated provincial and national transportation strategies is essential to our economic and social development.  These strategies must recognize the inter-relationships and inter-dependencies which exist between all modes of transportation and their attendant infrastructures:  airlines, highways (and the concomitant bus lines and trucking systems), pipelines, railways, urban transportation (including both passengers and freight handling systems), and shipping (including ferries).

In developing a transportation strategy, the Government must: 

  1. be cognizant of the need for efficient competition both within and between various transportation sectors;
  1. recognize that government policy should regulate the competitive market aspect of transportation only to ensure that the competition is fair and in the public interest.  Every effort must be made not to single out any one particular mode of transportation as the sole means of achieving government policy; and
  1. recognize that transportation is a key to regional economic development.

If the strategy recognizes these three factors, it will allow all modes to have an equal opportunity to find their most effective role in the overall system.  Historically, we have tended to concentrate on one mode as the principal means of achieving government policy.  This, in turn, has tended to exclude or at least impede on other forms of transportation, which have played and can play an important role in our economic and social development.

If financial assistance must be provided in order to achieve an economic or social objective, then it should be provided to the parties directly concerned with the achievement of the objective.  This would enable the parties, industry or government, to purchase land transportation from the mode offering the best deal in a truly commercial and competitive environment.

The economics of transportation will be a key element in determining the magnitude of future economic expansion and our competitiveness in both the domestic and export markets.  Recognition must be given to this important role.  Both the Provincial and Federal Governments must recognize the absolute necessity of integrated long-term planning as opposed to a system which functions on the basis of short-term plans based on political expediency.

The Chamber believes:

  1. that recognition should be given to the necessity for an integrated approach to transportation planning and regional plans which are based upon an assessment of future municipal, provincial and federal economic expansion;
  1. that planning should be co-ordinated under the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, with the key objective of formulating a provincial transportation policy co-ordinated with appropriate municipal, Provincial and Federal Government agencies and other interested bodies; and
  1. that the purpose should be to develop the most appropriate, equitable, efficient and effective transportation system, which will provide an optimum level of service at the lowest capital investment, operating and maintenance costs.

Air Transport
Commercial and general aviation is a significant aspect of transportation in BC, particularly with respect to the movement of people.  The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure should continue to study the requirements for air services within the province and make the studies available to the public.  Greater recognition by Federal Government must be given to regional and local air traffic requirements and to the local control of airport development and operation.

Marine Transport
As a maritime province, BC relies to a great extent upon various forms of marine transportation for the movement of goods and people both domestically and internationally.  Many coastal communities rely very heavily on this form of transportation either because of the lack of alternatives or because this form is the most economical and/or effective.  Therefore, all aspects of this sector, including support facilities, require co-operative long-range policies from both the Provincial and Federal Governments.

These policies and programs must address a number of important considerations:

  1. the more effective utilization of natural waterways;
  1. ongoing analysis of BC Ferries and Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure ferry services in terms of service, schedules, rates and costs; and
  1. short and long-term planning of port development, particularly the handling of general cargo.

New Primary Developments
In the planning of the transportation system, one of the priorities should be concern for the impetus it can provide for the development of new resources in otherwise remote areas.  It is imperative, as developments are planned, that they be co-ordinated in order to provide sound transportation planning, and that consideration be given to the most modern technology to ensure the greatest economic benefits, both locally and provincially.

Railway Transport
Railways are essential to the economic expansion of BC.  It is imperative that the most advanced technology be utilized in the operation and expansion of all railway systems in this province.  Efficient and dependable rail transportation is vital if we are to justify continued private and public capital investments in other industries.

The vitality of railways in BC requires co-operative and parallel policy decisions at the federal, provincial and municipal levels in the following areas:

  1. rail-line expansion and abandonment, including expansion of sidings, switching lines and yards;
  1. rail-line upgrading or relocation to accommodate safe haulage of dangerous and toxic substances through populated areas, and safety standards formulation for such haulage;
  1. resolution of level crossing problems in urban areas;
  1. common engineering standards for the maintenance of existing lines and for the construction of new lines;
  1. design standards on rolling stock; and
  1. general standards of maintenance and modernization.

Long-term co-operative and integrated railway planning is mandatory if this segment of the transportation industry is to be capable of meeting future traffic demands.

Regional Highways
Regional highways are the lifeline of many communities and resource operations.  Reorganization of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure with emphasis on decentralisation has occurred.  The regional directors of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure are empowered to analyze and plan for existing and future highways within their jurisdiction, in conjunction with provincial transportation plans.

The Ministry should be encouraged to propose construction standards and safety requirements for their areas and to work with local governments and other interested groups to arrive at sound and realistic forward planning.  More authority should be given to regional directors to take remedial action to correct hazardous situations or other unsatisfactory situations.  The regional director or his or her nominee should be an active participant in community planning where the provincial highways are concerned.

Inland Transportation Corridors
Internal routes in the Province of BC continue to be the source of economic prosperity for many inland communities.

A recent review of the Transportation Initiative of the Provincial and Federal Governments shows very few opportunities that would be described as inland corridors.

The BC Progress Report does not recognize these key routes that will enhance declining communities, but has focused on already congested routes.  The Chamber believes much of this congestion could be relieved by New Inland Transportation Corridors.

The Chamber believes that Government should maintain as a high priority the development of Inland Transportation Corridors, where it can be shown the potential economic value of the routes and, further, that the Chamber articulate the importance of these routes to Provincial and Federal Governments.

Urban Transportation
Transportation for urban areas will affect vehicular use of the provincial highways within the periphery of urban communities.  It is, therefore, suggested that the Federal Government initiate and continue to assist in the funding of urban transport policy studies, in collaboration with the appropriate local authorities, to ensure compatibility between urban, regional and provincial policies and plans.

It is also suggested that encouragement be given to urban transportation policies which:

  1. reduce traffic congestion, improve efficiency of traffic circulation and assist in conserving energy resources;
  1. assist in improving public transit;
  1. assist in strengthening downtown areas and offer the potential for enhanced development within the parameters of an area's official community plan or official settlement plan; and
  1. safeguard the integrity of major highway corridors by co-ordinating transportation plans with land-use planning.

Conclusion
The Chamber is concerned that transportation, provincially and nationally, lacks broad policy goals and objectives.  Since transportation, air, land and water-borne, is so critical to the economic and social development of Canada in general, and BC in particular, it is essential that decisions and policies be made in recognition of long-term growth and needs projections and the most effective and efficient use of one or more modes of transport.

The Provincial Government should also develop policy to co-ordinate and harmonise the operations of all carriers engaged in transportation within the province by aircraft, marine vessels, motor vehicles, pipelines and railways.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure should be responsible for all transportation modes and ensure that the planning and development of transportation routes are properly co-ordinated to affect the highest level of efficiency and economic development in the province.