5 November 2006
Léry, Quebec
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Mr. Premier,
Ministers,
Mayors,
Distinguished guests,
We have gathered together here today to mark a key milestone in a project that will benefit generations of Quebecers, and in particular the population of the Greater Montreal Area.
I am pleased to announce today the completion of the western section of Highway 30 under a public-private partnership.
This is the most recent announcement on Highway 30.
And this is not the first time you’ve seen ministers announcing it.
But this time it’s the right announcement!
As Prime Minister of Canada, I am very proud to recognize this new product of the successful collaboration between our government and that of Quebec.
Since we formed the New Government of Canada, I have wanted to practise an open brand of federalism, inspired by the spirit that gave birth to the Canadian federation.
And that means respecting the provinces’ specific areas of jurisdiction and
Sharing certain responsibilities efficiently.
You know, open federalism is not some fuzzy constitutional theory or campaign slogan: it’s a new approach that allows the partners within the Canadian federation to collaborate better in order to carry out certain projects.
Like the one we’re celebrating today, for example.
Highway 30 will help residents in this region to get where they want to go - more quickly and more easily, and will ultimately be a major economic growth driver for Léry and Greater Montreal.
And I want to pay tribute to Premier Charest for his exemplary cooperation in this initiative.
Once again, Premier Charest has shown the importance he attaches to Quebec’s economic development.
And I am pleased to reiterate that he will always find Canada’s New Government to be a willing partner when it comes to implementing projects that are consistent with our priorities as a government.
Projects that, above all, are in keeping with the priorities of our fellow citizens.
And that’s certainly the case with this new highway.
Highway 30 will relieve congestion in Montreal and help stimulate development in the metropolitan area as well as Montérégie, in addition to providing better access to the Ontario, Maritime and US markets.
The Greater Montreal Area is one of the few cities of comparable size in North America, not served by a major bypass route.
When completed, Highway 30 will correct that deficiency.
With this important infrastructure, drivers in Greater Montreal will enjoy smoother and safer traffic flow.
We also believe that the project will contribute to major improvements in the quality of life of the families living in the surrounding municipalities, and of the entire neighbouring population.
A considerable reduction in traffic congestion in our major cities, and the attendant drop in air pollution, constitute a pillar of our strategy to improve the quality of the air we breathe and to protect Canadians’ health.
From a practical, economic and environmental standpoint, this project
More than justifies the considerable investment that will be needed to see it through.
Highway 30 is of special significance because it opens up a new horizon in Quebec’s economic development.
And economic development constitutes the best hope, indeed, the best guarantee that for many years to come, Quebec can continue to grow and flourish within the Canadian family.
Thank you.
