The Harper Government Supports Improvements to the Port of Quebec

QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - July 10, 2015) - 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, was joined today by Mario Girard, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Quebec Port Authority, to announce $60,219,333 in federal funding for the project to construct a deepwater multipurpose terminal at the Port of Quebec, under the National Infrastructure Component of the New Building Canada Fund.

This project will promote economic growth for businesses and residents in the region and will contribute significantly to making Canada more competitive on the world stage. The project will extend the current wharf line in the Beauport sector by 610 metres and increase the area at the back of the wharf by 18.5 hectares. A railway track will be laid and a segment of the Henry-Bourassa Boulevard on the port's property will be rebuilt. Other facilities are being installed for future port projects, as well as the fish habitat compensation project. This funding is conditional on the project meeting applicable federal eligibility requirements with respect to the New Building Canada Fund and the signing of a contribution agreement.

Through the $4-billion National Infrastructure Component of the New Building Canada Fund, the Government of Canada is providing financial support for projects with far reaching benefits for all Canadians. The Fund supports infrastructure of national significance that has a strong impact on Canada's competitiveness, productivity and economic well-being.

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada has selected this project for funding consideration for up to $60,219,333 under the New Building Canada Fund's National Infrastructure Component.
• The Quebec Port Authority will be responsible for all remaining costs of the project, amounting to $129,708,667. The total estimated cost of the project is $189,928,000.
• The $53 billion New Building Canada Plan provides stable funding for a 10-year period, and includes the Community Improvement Fund; the New Building Canada Fund; and the Public-Private Partnerships (P3) Canada Fund administered by PPP Canada. Funding will continue across the country within the framework of existing infrastructure programs.

Quotes

"Our Government's support for public infrastructure has never been stronger: we understand the vital importance of infrastructure to help get goods to market, and connect people and businesses with the world. As part of the New Building Canada Fund, we are investing in priority infrastructure projects that focus on creating jobs, and promoting growth and long-term prosperity across Canada. We are proud to invest in the project to construct a deepwater multipurpose terminal at the Port of Quebec, which will promote economic growth for business and residents in the region, and will significantly contribute to the country's competitveness on the international stage."

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

"The development of the Port of Quebec and improvements to its existing infrastructure are priorities for the City of Quebec. The federal contribution is excellent news which reaffirms the importance of the port as a strategic transshipment point between North America's industrial and agricultural core and the world. Our city and all of Canada will benefit from a more productive and efficient port."

Régis Labeaume, Mayor of Québec City

"As a strategic deep water port at the head of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway, the Port of Québec will use this investment to solidify its competitive position on the North American market and address the concerns at the wharf over congestion and lack of space. Today's announcement is the culmination of years of work and planning to provide the Port of Québec with a new multi-functional, deep water terminal with a depth of 16 metres at low tide. On behalf of the Quebec Port Authority, I want to thank the Government of Canada for its support in helping the Port of Québec better meet the needs of the Canadian economy, as well as the growing global demand for shipping, and in seizing new business opportunities. In the context of market globalization, this project is good not only for Québec, but also for keeping the St. Lawrence competitive."

Mario Girard, President and Chief Executive Officer, Quebec Port Authority

Associated Links

To learn more about the New Building Canada Fund - National Infrastructure Component, please visit http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nic-vin-prog-eng.html.

For additional information on the New Building Canada Plan, visit http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nbcp-npcc-eng.html.

To learn more about the project, please visit the Port of Québec site: http://www.portquebec.ca/en/about/development/future-projects?id=agrandissement-secteur-beauport

To learn more about the Government of Canada's focus on jobs and the economy consult Canada's Economic Action Plan at http://www.budget.gc.ca/2015/home-accueil-eng.html.

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