Trade Infrastructure Subcommitee:
Executive Summary

Windsor Gateway

May 30, 2003

• The Subcommittee met with the Joint Management Committee to receive an updated status of the plans for the Windsor/Detroit border crossings.
• The Subcommittee is concerned with the time that it has taken to establish a plan for Windsor/Detroit, particularly in light of the fact that the criteria for the funds is for short to medium term improvements.
• The Subcommittee intends to meet with Ontario Mayors for Automotive Investment in the near future to impress upon them the importance of efficient and effective infrastructure at our border crossings for our industry.
• The Subcommittee recommends a cooperative resolution for the implementation of the $300 million allocated for the region, and it is hopeful that all levels of government can work together to establish and implement a plan for the short to medium term for the Windsor/Detroit border crossings.

Emergency/Contingency Plan

• The Subcommittee met with senior representatives for Public Security, MTO and the OPP to discuss the potential for development of an emergency/contingency plan for the automotive companies.
• Representatives of the Subcommittee also met with officials in CCRA and PCO to underline the importance of establishing a co-ordinated federal/provincial contingency plan in which industry was an active participant.
• The Subcommittee is desirous of establishing a coordinated and appropriate plan with the federal and provincial governments in the event of an emergency.
• The Subcommittee recommends that given the member companies' high level of participation in the FAST program, appropriate recognition be given to the shipments of low-risk goods both in ordinary times and, where possible, in the event of a crisis.

Trade/Security Issues

• The Subcommittee discussed concerns with extra security measures and legislative initiatives (e.g. entry/exit legislation, proposed bioterrorism legislation) that may pose a threat to the Canadian export of automotive goods and materials indirectly, if not directly.
• The Subcommittee believes that the Canadian and U.S. governments should focus on security issues in a manner that allows for the achievement of the countries' mutual objectives but does not unduly interfere with the efficient movement of goods.
• Further discussion of this issue will be held at the next meeting.

Rail Corridor / Vessels-Alternate Forms of Transportation

• The Subcommittee will, in the coming months, review and better understand government plans with respect to alternative forms of transportation in an effort to assess whether automotive interests and needs could be better coordinated or harmonized with government objectives.