1 June 2009

Canada Assumes Presidency of International Transport Forum 2010

The following news release was issued by Transport Canada on 29 May 2009.

The Honourable Rob Merrifield, Minister of State (Transport), assumed Canada's presidency of the International Transport Forum 2010, during today's meeting in Leipzig, Germany. Canada will preside over the Forum next May, which is themed "Transport and Innovation."

"The Government of Canada is proud to participate in this international event, which allows us to address important transportation issues with policy makers, private stakeholders and researchers from around the globe," said Minister Merrifield. "During challenging economic times, organizations such as the International Transport Forum allow experts to come together and discuss practical approaches to confront common challenges and seize opportunities."

Currently held in Leipzig, the International Transport Forum convened its annual meeting from May 26-29, 2009 under the theme of "Transport for a Global Economy – Challenges and Opportunities in the Downturn." Discussions focused on transport's role in the economic recovery, including what the sector can do to respond to the needs for global economic development and investments in transportation infrastructure.

The International Transport Forum was established in May 2006 by the Transport Ministers of 51 countries, including Canada, in order to offer policy makers, private stakeholders and researchers a platform to work together on transport issues of global significance and to foster a deeper understanding of the integral role transport plays in the world economy. The engagement of such a broad range of participants makes the International Transport Forum unique amongst multilateral organizations.