January 27, 2009
 
Federal budget projects $85 billion deficit to 2013
$7 billion more targeted to infrastructure
 

Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservative Government has 
delivered a deficit-financed plan to stimulate the slumping economy in today's federal budget, after warning Canadians that the global credit crunch has "dragged the world economy into a crisis whose pull we cannot escape."
 
In total, the Government today [January 27, 2009] presented a spending plan that projects $85 billion in deficits by the spring of 2013.
 
Overall major highlights include:
  • $85-billion deficit over five years, including $34 billion in 2009-2010 and $30 billion the next year.
  • $12 billion ($7 billion in new cash) for infrastructure spending on things like roads, sewers and universities
  • Infrastructure spending includes $1 billion for "green" infrastructure, and $1 billion for clean-energy research.  Green infrastructure includes infrastructure that supports a focus on the creation of sustainable energy. Sustainable energy infrastructure, such as modern energy transmission lines, will contribute to improved air quality and lower carbon emissions.
  • Cutting red tape on infrastructure projects in order to flow the money faster.
  • Cut personal taxes by $20 billion over six years, including increasing the basic personal amount that can be earned tax-free, and raising the upper limit of the two lowest personal income-tax brackets.
  • Cut business taxes by $2 billion over six years.
  • Improve access to financing for consumers and businesses with support of up to $200 billion, including $50 billion extra for the Insured Mortgage Purchase Program, and a $12-billion secured credit facility to improve access to financing to buy and lease new vehicles.
  • $7.8 billion for social housing and private home renovation, including a one-year Home Renovation Tax Credit of up to $1,350 per household.
  • $8.3 billion for skills and training, including $1.5 billion in new cash to retrain workers.
  • Extend Employment Insurance benefits by five weeks for two years.
  • $2.7 billion in short-term loans to the auto industry.
  • A two-year, $1-billion Community Adjustment Fund to help communities adjust to economic hardship.
  • Over $1.4 billion for aboriginal schools, health, water, housing, community services and training.
 Full budget documents can be accessed at: http://www.fin.gc.ca/n08/09-011-eng.asp
 
 
Chamber hosts record attendance at Marine Club Luncheon
Toasts to Seaway and Chamber 50th Anniversaries
 
At the Chamber of Marine Commerce's Annual Marine Club Luncheon, which took place January 15th at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, the Chamber hosted a record crowd of members and guests.  Attendees enjoyed speeches from Rear Admiral Peter Neffenger, Commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Ninth District, Allister Paterson, President and CEO of Seaway Marine Transport, and Mike Wallace, Member of Parliament for Burlington, Ontario, and Chair of the National Marine Industry Caucus.
 
Besides an opportunity to celebrate the Chamber's 50th anniversary, the luncheon was also an opportunity for the Chamber to present 50th anniversary commemorative certificates to the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation's President, Richard Corfe and the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation's Administrator, Collister (Terry) Johnson.
 
 
Seaway 50th Anniversary certificates are presented to President of the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, Richard Corfe (far left) and Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation Administrator, Collister (Terry) Johnson (far right) by the Chamber's Stephen Brooks and Ray Johnston. (Photo: Jim McRae.)
 
 
Toronto Port Authority appoints new board member

Jeremy Adams of Toronto has been appointed to the board of directors of the Toronto Port Authority for a term of three years.

"I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Adams to the board of directors of the Toronto Port Authority," said Canada's Transport Minister, John Baird. "His experience in government relations and policy development will be a significant asset to the authority."

Adams holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Western Ontario. He has worked in various communications and policy roles for both the public and private sector. He has provided advice to clients on a range of topics, including economic and health policy, and government-stakeholder relations. Adams is also experienced in project management.
 
 
Raymond Lahood confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Transportation

The U.S. Senate has confirmed former Congressman Raymond LaHood as the new Secretary of Transportation.  LaHood becomes the 16th transportation secretary since the agency was established back in 1967.  During his confirmation hearing, LaHood said his priority will be to put forward a new funding mechanism for the Highway Trust Fund rather than depending on the gasoline tax. He has previously supported use of tolls to build new highway infrastructure.
 
 
Calendar of events
 
Feb 2-3, 2009 - Montreal, QC
Global Economic Overview: Impact on Transportation for the Ontario-Quebec Continental Gateway and Trade Corridor
Registration on-line: www.aqtr.qc.ca

Feb 4, 2009 - Mississauga, ON
CCG Workshop on Great Lakes Commercial Navaids
Contact: bob.Jackson@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Feb 25-26, 2009 - Cleveland, OH
Marine Community Day and Admiral’s Dinner
Info: http://www.marinecommunityday.com/agenda.html

Feb 23-25, 2009 - Washington, D.C.
Great Lakes Days in Washington
Great Lakes Commission Semi-annual Meeting
Info: http://www.glc.org/greatlakesday

March 5, 2009 - Calgary, AB
Calgary Seaway Day Reception
Contact: Ron Johnson
218-727-8525 or 800-232-0703; rjohnson@duluthport.com

March 23-25, 2009 – Stamford, CT
Connecticut Maritime Association's Annual Conference, Shipping 2009
Info: http://www.shipping2009.com

March 2009 (date tbd) - Montreal, QC
St. Lawrence Seaway Special 50th Opening Ceremonies
613-932-5170 x 3606

 
About the Chamber of Marine Commerce

The Chamber of Marine Commerce (CMC) is the voice of the commercial marine industry. Our members are:

- Domestic and international shipowners and shipoperators
- Canadian and U.S. ports
- Industrial shippers (esp. grain, iron ore, steel, cement, aggregate, coal)
- Canadian and American Seaway corporations
- Terminals, elevators and logistics companies
- Marine-related companies

The CMC represents over 170 companies that rely on marine transportation to deliver products and materiel that serve people all over the world. Grain, sugar, salt, iron ore, steel, stone, cement, aluminum, clothing, furniture, computers, electronics and most consumer goods, ... almost everything, at least in part, has been on a ship. CMC's advocacy on marine and transportation issues extends to the Canadian and provincial governments and to U.S. federal and state governments and agencies.

The marine industry is vital to our prosperity by enabling efficient trade within North America and around the world. As the safest, most efficient and environmentally smart method of carrying bulk freight, the increased use of marine transportation alleviates highway congestion, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and is a vital catalyst to overall economic prosperity.