Minister Alghabra concludes successful trip representing Canada in the G7 Transport Ministers' Meeting in Japan

ISE-SHIMA, Japan, June 19, 2023 /CNW/ - The Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, wrapped up a successful trip representing Canada at the G7 Transport Ministers' Meeting in Ise-Shima, Japan, from June 16 to 18, 2023.

At the Transport G7, members sought to increase innovation to achieve accessible and sustainable transportation. Minister Alghabra discussed actions to increase supply chain resiliency and reduce pollution, and took the opportunity to showcase Canada's vision to G7 partners and discuss priorities that align with Canada's transportation interests. Specifically, Minister Alghabra advanced initiatives to support supply chain resiliency across the G7 by increasing coordination and proposed establishing Green Shipping Corridors between Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

Minister Alghabra met bilaterally with his counterparts from Japan, the United Kingdom and Ukraine, during which he discussed areas of cooperation between Canada and our allies to achieve net-zero goals and reduce pollution in the air and marine sectors. Minister Alghabra also highlighted initiatives to build sustainable supply chains for future generations across the G7. These included supply chain resilience, increasing the availability and use of sustainable aviation fuels, and establishing green shipping corridors to reduce pollution in the marine sector. He also discussed improving transport accessibility by unifying standards for a safe and respectful experience for passengers among G7 countries. 

Ministers concluded their meetings by issuing a joint declaration to reaffirm the importance of accessible, clean, and efficient transportation systems as well as strong supply chains. Ministers recognize that new and innovative approaches and greater collaboration are essential in meeting these goals. As part of this declaration, and under Canada's leadership, Ministers also agreed to explore a G7 working group on supply chain resilience.

During Minister Alghabra's meeting with Oleksandr Kubrakov, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine and Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine, he reiterated Canada's unwavering support for Ukraine against Russia's illegal war of aggression. The Ministers discussed how Canada is helping meet immediate and long-term transportation needs for Ukraine's sustainable future. Deputy Prime Minister Kubrakov briefed Minister Alghabra on damage caused by the Nova Kakhovka dam destruction. During a dedicated session on this topic, G7 Ministers expressed their condemnation of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine as well as concerns on impacts globally, including on global energy security, and discussed G7 coordination on reconstruction of transportation infrastructure to help the Ukrainian people. Minister Alghabra reiterated that Canada is committed to collaborative actions to limit the impacts from the global energy crisis triggered by this war in order to support vulnerable and affected countries.

Quote
"The last few years have been hard on transport sectors in Canada and around the world. Despite Russia's illegal invasion, the aftermath of the pandemic, uncertain trade, and a difficult road to recovery, the G7 has never been closer together on critical issues affecting Canadians and people across the globe. Canada will continue to work closely with other G7 members to prioritize creating sustainable, clean, and affordable transportation systems. Participating in the G7 Transportation Ministers' Meeting was an opportunity to develop and strengthen these relationships, and to promote Canadian priorities to advance a strong transportation sector."

The Honourable Omar Alghabra
Minister of Transport

Quick Facts

• The G7 members are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union.
• Canada will assume the Presidency of the G7 in 2025.

Associated links 

G7 Ministers of Transport's joint declaration (in English only)

Canada and the G7

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SOURCE Transport Canada