SALABERRY-DE-VALLEYFIELD, QC, June 14, 2019 /CNW/ - Investing in the development of efficient sustainable trade and transportation infrastructure helps improve the flow of goods and meet the needs of businesses across the country. With investments like these, the governments of Canada and Quebec are laying the foundation for a strong economy and promoting the growth of the middle class.

Today, the Honourable Marc Garneau, Canada's Minister of Transport, and Claude Reid, Member of the National Assembly for Beauharnois and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transport, announced funding from the governments of Canada and Quebec for the Valleyfield Port Expansion Project. The purpose of this project is to solidify the port's strategic position within the Canadian and Quebec commercial port system and allow it to take advantage of new business opportunities.

The expansion project will increase vessel berthing capacity by extending one of the existing wharfs, adding a berth and installing a roll-on/roll-off ramp. This will allow the Port to meet current needs and anticipate a future increase in activities related to projects being developed in Northern Quebec and new businesses being established in southwestern Montérégie's industrial zone of. The project will also support more than 250 direct and indirect jobs, including 47 during construction.

The overall cost of the project is estimated to be $36 million. The Government of Canada will contribute $12 million through the New Building Canada Fund, Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component— National and Regional Projects. The Government of Quebec will invest $12 million under the Programme de soutien aux investissements dans les infrastructures de transport maritime [program to support investments in marine transportation infrastructure], and the Port of Valleyfield will contribute $12 million.

Quotes

"Investing in transportation and trade infrastructure creates the ideal conditions for long-term growth and to build strong competitive communities. The Port of Valleyfield is a logistical pillar for industries in the southwestern Montérégie region, as well as a strategic gateway for trade among Quebec, Ontario and the rest of North America. By investing in this project, we are contributing to the region's economic vitality while supporting the development of remote municipalities and the North."

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Canada's Minister of Transport, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"The investments announced today will most certainly help make marine transportation more efficient and competitive. I believe that Quebec's economic growth depends on developing the full maritime potential of the St. Lawrence River and its tributaries."

The Honourable Chantal Rouleau, Minister for Transport, responsible for the implementation of the Maritime Strategy and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montreal Region 

"The expansion of the Port of Valleyfield is excellent news for the economic development of our region. The addition of transportation infrastructure will improve the efficiency and productivity of the port and help to develop new markets in Quebec, Canada and internationally. Our government is once again taking action to support economic development."

Claude Reid, MNA for Beauharnois and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transport, on behalf of François Bonnardel, Quebec's Minister of Transport.

Quick facts

• Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
• More than $10.1 billion of this funding is supporting trade and transportation projects, including $5 billion available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
• Quebec's Programme de soutien aux investissements dans les infrastructures de transport maritime [program to support investments in marine transportation infrastructure], established under the Quebec Maritime Strategy:
• is intended to encourage investment in Quebec's marine transportation infrastructure for goods and people, with a view to competitiveness and sustainable development;
• has three streams:
• Stream 1: Marine and intermodal transportation infrastructure for freight
• Stream 2: Pilot projects for freight transportation
• Stream 3: Marine transportation infrastructure for passenger
• has a budget of $200 million until 2020;
• is intended for businesses, municipal organizations and any other organization with an establishment in Quebec.

Associated links

Investing in Canada Plan Project Map

Federal infrastructure investments in Quebec

Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan

Programme de soutien aux investissements dans les infrastructures de transport maritime [program to support investments in marine transportation infrastructure] 

Quebec's Maritime Strategy

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Web: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2019/14/c3343.html