DIEPPE, N.B. — A study to assess the potential for developing a harmonized trucking strategy for Canada’s eastern region is about to get under way.

The Government of Canada, the four provincial governments in Atlantic Canada and the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association (APTA) have join together to commission the work.

The study, a preliminary phase to a larger piece of research, aims to scope out the elements and potential partnerships that will form the basis for the primary research to follow.

The scoping study is being conducted by Fred P. Nix of Orangeville, Ont., a consultant with demonstrated knowledge of the trucking industry in Atlantic Canada, knowledge of public policy issues related to trucking, as well as knowledge of the Atlantic Coast trade and transportation corridors. The study is expected to be complete in July 2002.

The larger project will examine areas such as the economic role of trucking in the transportation industry, trade and transportation corridor implications for trucking in the region’s growing economic relationship with the U.S. (particularly border crossings) and approaches to regulatory harmonization.

As well, it is likely to delve into human resource requirements of the trucking industry, approaches for improving fleet management, the use of intermodal efficiencies to support the export of Atlantic products and the use of e-business technologies to improve efficiencies.

Jointly announced by the Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Ralph Boyd, APTA president and ministers from each of the four provinces involved, ACOA provided $15,000 to fund the scoping study.

The study is an important step in implementing a key aspect of a joint action plan released by the Council of Atlantic Premiers, which calls for the development and deployment of a harmonized trucking strategy.

“Trucking makes a major contribution to the Atlantic economy,” points out Boyd. “This study is an important first step in dealing with the key challenges facing our industry, and I am delighted that the federal and provincial governments are working closely with us to identify new ways that will help cut duplication and red tape and improve our overall competitiveness.”