Harper Announces Investments in Ports

Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced yesterday that a re-elected Conservative government will launch the “Quebec Maritime Prosperity” initiative to foster job creation and support Quebec’s Maritime Strategy.

According to him, re-elected Conservative Government will provide funding for the new maritime terminal at the Port of Montreal’s Alexandra Pier, and the expansion of the Ross Gaudreault cruise terminal in Quebec City.

The initiative supports the Maritime Strategy of the Government of Quebec, which aims to create 30,000 jobs by 2030. World class port infrastructure is required for the development of maritime tourism, in order to attract international cruises here at home. The initiative will also contribute to protecting Quebec’s maritime heritage by improving access to the River and the waterfront by way of future investments, and by supporting maritime conservation and marine research.

These new investments build on the Harper Government’s strong record of supporting Quebec’s maritime infrastructure. This includes recently announced expansion projects at the Port of Montreal, the Port of Quebec City and the Port of Trois-Rivières, for a total of more than $120 million under the National Infrastructure Component of the New Building Canada Plan.

Also, the plan is to carry out the new Ports Asset Transfer Program, announced on April 24, 2015, to build stronger communities through local port ownership. The Program will facilitate the transfer of 50 port facilities to local interests and supports Quebec’s Maritime Strategy.