No. Q 002/09
For release - April 1, 2009
CAP-AUX-MEULES — Residents of the Magdalen Islands will benefit from improvements to the port of Cap-aux-Meules funded by the Government of Canada. Today, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Regional Minister for Quebec announced the official end of the dredging work carried out at the port of Cap-aux-Meules.
This investment, in the order of $1.2 million, has restored this essential port's channel to its original depth of 6.6 metres. This vital project created jobs and will continue to foster economic stimulus through this important commercial port serving Magdelen Islands.
"Our Government ensures continued access for trade and tourism that is essential to the local economy," said Minister Paradis. "The port of Cap-aux-Meules is of paramount importance for the Magdalen Islands, since the ferry is the islanders' main transportation lifeline to the continent," he added.
Located in the heart of the Magdalen Islands' archipelago, Cap-aux-Meules is considered a remote port according to the National Marine Policy. It is the only commercial port in the Magdalen Islands with different wharves to accommodate oil tankers, commercial ships, offshore and midshore fishing boats, ferries serving Prince Edward Island and Montréal and the provincial ferry toward Île-d'Entrée. The ferry travelling between Souris, Prince Edward Island and Cap-aux-Meules carries about 100 000 passengers each year.
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