March 23, 2022 (Edmonton Metropolitan Region) – Through a collaboration between Edmonton Global, Edmonton International Airport and the Government of Canada, Port Alberta has been relaunched, to further develop and promote the Edmonton Metropolitan Region as an inland port.
With the relaunch, Port Alberta will now unite the infrastructure and logistic efficiencies with a concierge level of support to help businesses in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region reach their full potential in trade. Port Alberta will act as a navigation support for companies in our region who are focused on importing and exporting. This support will help companies reduce costs, speed up processes, and eliminate barriers to expand their global growth.
Port Alberta encompasses the entire Edmonton region, where air, rail, road and pipelines converge with favourable regulations and incentives to boost the region’s potential as a logistics hub. Although the concept is not new, the activation of Port Alberta will take on a new dimension, which will support economic impact in the region by providing proactive guidance to businesses seeking to utilize the programs of the region’s Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) and assist them in accessing the right government programs.
Edmonton Global has contracted Rainmaker Global Market Access to provide hands on service on behalf of Port Alberta. This will allow businesses to gain the information and connectivity they require to leverage the support and programs available efficiently and effectively.
“The Edmonton region is the gateway to the North and has grown to become a key hub for Canada’s international trade policy. The announcement today will help support businesses, draw new investments, and improve Edmonton’s position as an entry point to the global market. Our federal government is proud to support this initiative through PrairiesCan and will always be there to support local businesses and workers.” – Randy Boissonault, MP Edmonton Centre, Minister of Tourism, Associate Minister of Finance
“Diversifying our economy requires attention to every detail, including the seamless movement of goods. Port Alberta will help ensure that industry can grow and products can easily move in and through the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. As an emerging logistics hub with the fastest shipping times to the Ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert, the capital region is the perfect location to build on that strength through Port Alberta.” – Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation
“I’m thrilled to see this important step that will further build logistics capacity in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region, supporting new and existing businesses. As one of the largest industrial areas in western Canada, Parkland County’s Acheson industrial area is primed for further growth as part of the Port Alberta initiative. We look forward to welcoming new arrivals to our region as they seek to take advantage of our business-friendly environment, as well as our logistics and transportation corridor assets. – Mayor Gamble, mayor of Parkland County
“Port Alberta is a regional asset that provides access to a network of support that companies in all our communities can benefit from.” – Mayor Acker, mayor of Spruce Grove
“The relaunch of Port Alberta demonstrates to the world that our region is quickly becoming a nexus of world-class road, rail, and air infrastructure. Port Alberta unites infrastructure and logistics efficiencies to support inbound and outbound product flow while taking advantage of its Foreign Trade Zone designation; this is crucial in showcasing the Edmonton Metropolitan Region and its many assets. The Villeneuve Airport and its surrounding lands are an important asset driving new investment into the region. Port Alberta will be a key component in our success.” – Mayor Hnatiw, mayor of Sturgeon County
“The Edmonton Metropolitan Region is poised to alter global supply chains due to our geographic location, access to tide water through Prince Rupert and Vancouver, and rail and road access to and from the United States. With our location on the Great Circle Route, we are situated at a geographic nexus of air travel to and from Asia and the east coast of the United States as well as Europe and the Middle East. As a major multimodal port, our region is well positioned to strengthen global supply chains and be a vital international trade corridor. EIA is proud to be a partner with Edmonton Global in the relaunch of Port Alberta. Our Airport City Sustainability Campus is an integrated ecosystem to attract investment and promote trade while creating positive economic impact and jobs for our region.” – Tom Ruth, President and CEO, Edmonton International Airport.
“The Edmonton Metropolitan Region is well-positioned to become a major transportation hub for North America. Our northern location is a strategic advantage and our proximity to the Port of Prince Rupert and the Port of Vancouver, as well as our rail, road and air connections make us incredibly well connected. We want to help companies in our region take advantage of these capabilities and grow in both the import and export sides of their business.” – Malcolm Bruce, CEO, Edmonton Global.
About Edmonton Global:
The purpose of Edmonton Global is to radically transform and grow the economy of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. We are a not-for-profit corporation founded by 14 municipalities that make up the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. Our focus is attracting foreign investment, helping regional businesses trade with the world, enhancing our region’s global competitiveness, and bringing our region together with a unified voice to attract the attention and interest of investors the world over.
Contact Edmonton Global Chris McLeod Vice President, Global Marketing & Communications +1 780 499 4517 cmcleod@edmontonglobal.ca
