There has been a significant increase in the total value of
cargo handled annually through Port Metro Vancouver over the past four years, according
to a newly released study.
The port’s 2012 Economic Impact Study, which was released
May 31 by InterVISTAS Consulting, a Vancouver-based management consulting
company, also show considerable growth in the average port-related wage as well
as in the number of full-time positions since the last study, which was released
in 2008.
Port Metro Vancouver is the busiest port in Canada and the
fourth largest tonnage port in North America.
According to the report, Port Metro Vancouver handles $172
billion of cargo each year, or about $475 million daily, representing one-fifth
of Canada’s total trade by value.
“The report demonstrates our substantial employment and
economic impacts provincially and nationwide, with a particular focus on the
communities that surround the Lower Mainland,” Port Metro Vancouver President
and Chief Executive Officer Robin Silvester said.
In addition to the amount of total cargo handled, key
findings from the study include that Port Metro Vancouver handles 19 percent of
Canada’s total trade by value.
Also, it generates $20.3 billion in economic output; $9.7
billion in direct GDP; $6.1 billion in wages; 98,800 jobs in Canada; 38,200
direct jobs in British Columbia; and a $67,000 average wage vs. a $44,000
average wage in Canada.
The study also says Metro Vancouver generates $1.3 billion
per year in tax revenues, including $756 million; federal; $403 million
provincial; and $116 million municipal.
The full study can be seen at
http://portmetrovancouver.com/Libraries/ABOUT_Facts_Stats/Port_Metro_Vancouver_Economic_Impact_Study_31May2013_-_FINAL_REPORT.sflb.ashx.
