Atlantic Canada's transportation ministers will meet Friday in Charlottetown to draft a united message in advance of a national meeting scheduled for later this month in Toronto.

P.E.I. Transportation Minister Ron MacKinley said the idea is for all four ministers to speak from the same "hymn book" on issues of common interest, such as ferry services, road construction, maintenance and airport security.

The ministers will also discuss Atlantic Gateway, a proposal to build up the region's role as an entrance to the North American market for goods from Europe and Southeast Asia.

MacKinley said taking a regional position gives the Atlantic provinces more clout at national meetings.