WINNIPEG, Man. — Representatives of Manitobas transportation sector are joining forces to direct the provincial governments International Gateway Strategy to help increase economic opportunities and growth.

The new Manitoba International Gateway Council will address strategic issues regarding the development of Manitoba as a transportation gateway to the world, a logistics centre of excellence and a hub for value-added activities.

Manitobas International Gateway Strategy was unveiled in late 2005 and will help further efforts to develop the province as a sustainable transportation and distribution gateway.

I am extremely pleased with the extraordinary range of experience and talent on this new council which will provide important guidance, advice and leadership on key gateway and transportation issues, said Ron Lemieux, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation. Manitoba has played a significant role as a transportation hub and must move quickly to take advantage of emerging opportunities such as new polar air routes and traffic flows from Asia.

The new council consists of 10 members: Art DeFehr, president and CEO, Palliser Furniture (co-chair); Art Mauro, chair, Winnipeg Airports Authority (co-chair); Don Streuber, president and CEO, Bison Transport; Allan Robison, president and CEO, Reimer Express; Curt Vossen, president, James Richardson International; Reynold Martens, executive vice-president, GHY International; William Henderson, senior vice-president, Purolator; Mike Ogborn, president, Churchill Gateway Development; Murray Hamilton, director of grain, Canadian Pacific Railway; and Wayne Atamanchuk, assistant vice-president, bulk marketing, CN Rail.

I believe the council, in addressing high-level, strategic issues, will help develop Manitobas role as a transportation gateway which will increase our economic opportunities, said DeFehr.