Project expected to create 30,000 high-quality jobs
April 15, 2015 – Montréal, Quebec – Infrastructure Canada
The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, announced today that Signature on the Saint-Lawrence Group has been selected as the preferred proponent for construction of the new bridge for the St. Lawrence, under a public-private partnership. This major infrastructure project is expected to create 30,000 high-quality jobs in the Montréal region and across Canada.
Following a rigorous, open, fair and transparent procurement process, Signature on the Saint-Lawrence Group was selected because its proposal met all the technical criteria required for the project, and offered the best price possible for taxpayers. The criteria evaluated included project schedule management, the design and build approach, sustainability of the work, operation, maintenance and rehabilitation plans, measures to ensure compliance with architectural criteria, and the robustness of the financing plan.
The entire process was overseen by a Fairness Monitor who provided an independent opinion confirming the fairness, openness and transparency of the process. In addition, all businesses within Signature on the Saint-Lawrence Group were confirmed to be in compliance with the Public Works and Government Services Canada Integrity Framework.
Within a few weeks, Signature on the Saint-Lawrence Group will begin preparatory work on one of the largest infrastructure projects in North America. Construction on the new bridge will get underway at the beginning of summer 2015.
The Government of Canada and Signature on the Saint-Lawrence Group will finalize the partnership agreement between now and late July 2015.
"Since the beginning of the project, our government has has met or exceeded each of the schedule milestones without compromising the integrity or the quality and rigour of the project. In addition to creating thousands of jobs, the new bridge is an investment in Montréal's future which will promote economic growth by improving connections across the road system and ensuring the continuous and safe flow of people and goods."
"We expect that as many as 30,000 high-quality jobs will be created by this project over the coming years in the Montréal region and across Canada. These are well-paying jobs for steel workers and welders, for truck drivers and concrete workers, for equipment suppliers and service providers. With the selection of Signature on the Saint-Lawrence Group and the start of preparatory work in a few weeks, we remain on track to open the new Champlain Bridge by December 2018."
- The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
"Through a rigorous open, fair and transparent procurement process, Signature on the Saint-Lawrence Group was selected as the preferred proponent for the new bridge for the St. Lawrence corridor project's public-private partnership. This important infrastructure project will contribute to job creation, economic growth and long-term prosperity."
- The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada
Vincent Rabault
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