Chairperson's Message

Daryl Reid

In 2002, Manitoba embarked on an exciting new venture to guide the future of transportation in our province – the development of a long-term transportation vision in consultation with the public. The process was the first of its kind for transportation in Manitoba and one of the most inclusive and comprehensive transportation planning processes ever undertaken in Canada. This uniqueness posed challenges but also enabled the 10-member Steering Committee to be open, transparent, and all-inclusive in order to best accommodate the insights and opinions of Manitobans. The Manitoba Government’s overarching aim in undertaking this vital initiative was to improve our transportation system in ways that maximize economic and social benefits for our communities. Only through a partnership approach with all transportation stakeholders could we hope to identify transportation needs and determine the priorities of Manitobans.

To ensure that a maximum number of voices were heard, the Steering Committee used a variety of consultation methods. The backbone of the consultation process involved a series of workshops around the province which enabled all Manitobans the opportunity to express their values, goals and vision for transportation in a consensus-building process. This approach allowed for:

• reconciling competing/diverse interests;
• building partnerships;
• generating informed innovative solutions; and
• creating a shared vision and plan that benefits all Manitobans.

The consultation process also used a public opinion survey, comment forms, written submissions, e-mail, and a telephone hot line. This complex task spanned two years and laid the groundwork for the Manitoba Government to improve the transportation network in Manitoba. The shared vision and innovative solutions that emerged have been documented by the Steering Committee in a report to the Manitoba Government. I respectfully submit this report to the people of Manitoba and want to express my gratitude for your participation in this process which will help us plan for Manitoba’s transportation needs in the 21st century.

Sincerely,
Daryl Reid
Steering Committee Chairperson