Government of Canada invests in infrastructure projects in the Prairies to connect communities and make life cost less
News release
August 8, 2024 Winnipeg, Manitoba Transport Canada
A well-connected transportation system is essential to making life cost less for Canadians. That’s why the Government of Canada is committed to investing in our supply chains to support economic growth, while making them resilient and adaptable to the effects of climate change.
Today, the Minister of Transport, Pablo Rodriguez, announced an investment of up to $46.3 million for three projects under the National Trade Corridors Fund in Canada’s Prairie provinces. These projects will make products cost less, support economic growth, and better connect communities and regions across Canada.
The Government of Canada will contribute up to:
- $9.5 million to Perimeter Aviation to renovate and expand the existing Perimeter Aviation terminal building at the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport. This project will address current capacity issues at the terminal, allowing for more flights and improving connections between traditional freight networks and northern and remote Indigenous communities. It will also make Canada’s transportation system more resilient to severe weather caused by climate change, ensuring that northern airports are accessible and reliable, and help lower operating costs for businesses by reducing transportation expenses.
- $25 million to the Government of Saskatchewan, Ministry of Highways to upgrade three highways in Northern Saskatchewan. The project, which will work in conjunction with provincial infrastructure improvements, aims to support regional growth driven by recent forestry investments and the re-opening of the McArthur River Uranium Mine. Additionally, by raising road levels and replacing culverts, these upgrades will help the transportation system better adapt to changing weather conditions and protect local communities from flooding.
- $11.8 million to the Town of Oyen, Alberta, to expand the Oyen Rail Yard. This project will add over 38,200 feet of new rail track next to the existing yard, enabling the creation of agricultural and industrial park and short line railway. This expansion will benefit 400 local producers and 15 businesses by improving their connection to larger freight rail networks, helping them to get their products to market more reliably.
These initiatives represent the Government of Canada’s commitment to build strong regions and connect communities. With these investments, we’re making life cost less, driving economic development, and building communities where every Canadian gets a fair chance to succeed.
Quotes
“Our Government is committed to connecting communities and making life cost less for Canadians. By enhancing transportation infrastructure across the Prairies, we're strengthening our supply chains and driving economic growth.”
The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez
Minister of Transport
“The investment in the Perimeter Aviation Terminal Development Program will improve connectivity for Northern and First Nations communities. This expansion not only improves the passenger experience but also strengthens supply chains, driving economic growth and resilience in the face of the effects of climate change. We are proud to invest in infrastructure that better connects communities across Canada.”
The Honourable Dan Vandal
Minister of Northern Affairs
“The National Trade Corridors Fund has helped make the Perimeter Aviation Terminal Development Program a reality. Our terminal expansion enhances connectivity and improves the passenger experience for Northern and First Nations communities, facilitating travel and enabling economic growth. With more departure gates and our fleet of combination cargo/passenger aircraft, Perimeter Aviation is now better equipped to strengthen supply chains and support additional passenger and cargo traffic. We’re excited to see the positive impact of this development for the communities and travellers we serve both today and in the years to come.”
Joey Petrisor
President & CEO of Perimeter Aviation
“The Government of Saskatchewan appreciates the federal investment under the National Trade Corridors Fund toward our provincial highway system in which safety improvements are always a top priority. As a land-locked province, our highway network is key to Saskatchewan’s strong and growing export-based economy, which supports our quality of life.”
The Honourable Lori Carr
Saskatchewan’s Minister of Highways
“400 local producers and 15 businesses in Alberta are benefitting from this project, along with economic benefit to the Town of Oyen and area itself. This National Trade Corridor funding helps the Town of Oyen and area become a desirable place for industries to expand, and enables us to be one step closer to the Town of Oyen’s agricultural growth plans.”
Doug Jones
Mayor, Town of Oyen
Quick facts
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An efficient and reliable transportation network is key to Canada's economic growth. The Government of Canada, through the National Trade Corridors Fund, is making investments that will support the flow of goods across Canada's supply chains.
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The National Trade Corridors Fund is a competitive, merit-based program designed to help infrastructure owners and users invest in the critical transportation assets that support economic activity in Canada. A total of $4.1 billion has been committed to projects since 2017.
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Through the National Trade Corridors Fund, Transport Canada is supporting improvements to Canada’s roads, rail, air, and marine shipping routes to foster domestic and international trade.
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The National Trade Corridors Fund’s Increasing the Fluidity of Canada’s Supply Chains call for proposals supports fluid and reliable trade flows between Canada and global markets, as well as internal trade corridors.
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Contacts
Laura Scaffidi
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez
Minister of Transport, Ottawa
Laura.Scaffidi@tc.gc.ca
Media relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
media@tc.gc.ca
613-993-0055
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