By Leo Quigley, AJOTIn a recent conversation with Luiza Ch. Savage, a reporter with Macleans magazine, Canada’s Minister of International Trade said: “The U.S. is still far and away our largest trading partner and always will be. But we have also recognized that it is in Canada’s interest to expand and diversify our markets, especially taking advantage of the highest growth markets-many of which are in Southeast Asia, China, Korea, Japan. Canada is a leader on trade liberalization-we have unilaterally eliminated over 1,800 tariffs, we have eliminated the monopoly of the Canadian Wheat Board and have opened up opportunities in the telecommunications sector.” “Trade, we believe, is the new stimulus.”For anyone who’s been watching, there’s no question that Ottawa has put its money where its mouth is together with private industry and several provincial governments. However, there is still a long way to go and the Premier of British Columbia, Christy Clark, has recognized that fact on past occasions. And, recently, she identified a serious chokepoint in the trade corridor between the City of Vancouver and the U.S. markets of Seattle, Tacoma, Portland and Los Angeles. Referred to as the Massey Tunnel the four-lane structure under the Fraser River has long exceeded its intended capacity to handle truck and commuter traffic and, together with border inspection tie-ups that can last several hours, is seriously slowing two-way trade between Canada’s largest West Coast city and the Pacific Northwest. Speaking to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities Clark said that as part of its planned investment of Cdn$200 million in the province’s transportation infrastructure the government would expand the tunnel’s capacity over the next decade. She did not say whether the project would be an expansion of the existing tunnel, a new tunnel or a bridge. That will have to be determined. However, expanding or replacing the existing tunnel under the Fraser won’t be a simple job. In fact, before work began on what was then called the Deas Island Tunnel in 1956 several contractors refused to take the job because of riverbed instability. However, a company familiar with a new construction technique called “Immersed Tube Tunnel Technology” accepted the task and, at a cost of Cdn$29 million, successfully constructed the 2,063-foot tunnel – the first of its kind in North America. Opened on May 23, 1959, and now renamed the George Massey Tunnel, the underwater passageway has stood the stress and strain of an increasing number of container trucks and commuters for over 50 years without a serious incident, but now has become an impediment to trade, tourism and local business traffic. Responding to the announcement, Robin Silvester, President and CEO of Port Metro Vancouver said: “The B.C. Government’s new commitment to replace the George Massey Tunnel sends a strong message that this port and this province are open for business and ready to seize opportunities resulting from continued growth in Asian economies. A modernized crossing will further expand trade opportunities for Fraser River terminals, like Fraser Surrey Docks, well into the future, which in turn supports a strong economy and good local jobs for many years to come.” The concern at Fraser Surrey Docks, of course, is the depth of the water between the top of the tunnel and the keel of one today’s fully loaded freighters. Bill Wehnert, Vice-President, Sales and Marketing, FSD, called the announcement by Clark “monumental” and said: “It shows the government understands the importance of: (A) Replacing a major artery that is a vital link to the U.S. (B) Contributes to the success of an amazing marine highway that contributes hundreds of millions of dollars every year to the economy of British Columbia.