Montreal, February 18, 2009 - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, announced today that the Government of Canada will be investing in a project to optimize infrastructure at the Port of Montreal, which will have a positive impact on the economic development of the region in the short, medium and long terms.
This investment will be used to improve the electrical facilities, control equipment and network management, so as to increase access point capacity along Hydro-Québec’s network in the Port of Montreal.
The Government of Canada will provide up to $4,648,500 for this project under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The Montreal Port Authority will cover the remaining costs of the project, which is estimated to total $9,297,000.
“With this second Infrastructure Stimulus Fund investment in the Port of Montreal, our Government is investing in the economic futures of Quebec and of Canada,” said Minister Lebel. “As we begin the second phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our priority will be to continue the rapid implementation of projects such as this one. At the same time, we look forward to meeting future challenges, including restoring the fiscal balance once our economy is fully recovered, as well as building a solid foundation for our economic future.”
“The federal government’s investment in the Port’s electrical network is part of the plan for improving services to our clients in the context of economic recovery. Enhancing the capacity of the electricity network will help provide them with better service and strengthen the role of the Port as the gateway to the St Lawrence–Great Lakes Corridor, through which two thirds of Canada’s trade passes,” remarked Sylvie Vachon, President and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority.
Last September, the Government of Canada announced it would invest up to $9 million in the construction of a common portal for the entry and exit of trucks, which would enable the Port of Montreal to better manage the flow of container truck traffic, and thus improve its competitiveness.
The $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, announced in the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, targets projects that can be completed by March 31, 2011.
The Port of Montreal is a major economic player for the region and, on a larger scale, in the context of North American and international trade. The federal contribution to this project targets short-term local economic recovery, while recognizing its major potential in terms of sustainable support for economic activity.
For further information on the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit our Web site at http://www.actionplan.gc.ca/.
For additional information on infrastructure investments, consult our Web site at http://www.creatingjobs.gc.ca/.
For further information contact:
Jacques Fauteux
Office of the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Canada
613-991-0700
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
The Government of Canada will provide up to $4,648,500 from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund to enable the Montreal Port Authority to carry out work to increase the capacity of the electrical network in the port. The project is included in the business plan of the Port of Montreal.
The project involves the improvement of electrical facilities, control equipment and network management, so as to increase access point capacity along Hydro-Québec’s network in the Port of Montreal.
Anticipated project results include:
- Meeting current and future electricity demand for port activities;
- Increasing opportunities to use this source of clean energy as much as possible in the port, thus minimizing the environmental footprint of port activities;
- Adding handling facilities, so as to increase port capacity.
With this new investment, the Government of Canada is committed to invest close to $15 million in the Port of Montreal under this fund. Last September, the Government of Canada announced it would invest up to $9 million in the construction of a common portal for the entry and exit of trucks, which would enable the Port of Montreal to better manage the flow of container truck traffic, and thus improve its competitiveness.
The $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund targets projects that can be completed by March 31, 2011. In Quebec, $936 million has been earmarked for infrastructure projects under this Fund.
About the Port of Montreal
The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) operates the largest inland port in the world. It is a leading container port through which more than 24.5 million tones of cargo flowed in 2009, when the Port handled nearly 1,250,000 TEU (20-foot equivalent) containers. The Port of Montreal has its own rail network right on the docks. It is linked to two major rail networks, as well as to the road network. The port operates a grain terminal and a maritime terminal. All other terminals are managed by private stevedoring companies. Port activities support 18,200 jobs and generate economic spinoff of approximately $1.5 billion annually.
