Economic growth and the return of confidence in Montréal have given our companies a keen interest in exploiting foreign markets. To support them, it is imperative for the port of Montréal to pursue its development.
The port of Montréal is a strategic asset that plays an undeniable role within Quebec and Montréal’s economy, with economic benefits estimated at $1.6 billion for the province.
With the entry into effect of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the signature, on March 8, 2018, of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Montreal Port Authority expects to handle 60% more containers at the port of Montréal. This is without including future trade agreements that could be signed with major players in international trade like China and India.
It is therefore crucial that the Port improves its facilities and increases its operational capacity. Its competitors along the North American East Coast have invested over $9 billion in their facilities over the course of the last few years. To remain competitive, the Port of Montreal needs to ensure that its facilities meet the current and future needs of its clients.
The expansion of the port terminal at Contrecœur—a project valued at $750 million, which will create 6,000 jobs—answers real needs and will manifest itself through the growth of the transportation and logistics industry in the Montréal region. It will also be an economic driver for this industry in Montérégie.
The Chamber’s brief highlights the Montreal Port Authority’s thorough and considered approach in the development of its project and highlights the economic benefits that will stem from the expansion of the Contrecœur terminal.
This is a structuring and strategic project for Montréal. As a natural entryway into America from the Atlantic Ocean, the Greater Montréal region has many assets that allow it to play a central role in the merchandise transportation and logistics industry. It is important to provide the city with tools so that it can reach its full potential.
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