Press release
Project to maximize Cast terminal capacity at the Port of Montreal:
support for a strategic economic sector
Montréal, June 4, 2010 – The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal applauds the Government of Canada’s $5.1-million contribution to an important infrastructure optimization project at the Port of Montreal, the estimated value of which is over $10 million.
“The Port of Montreal is a vital economic player for the city and for Quebec,” said Michel Leblanc, president and CEO of the Board of Trade. “It makes the city a leading platform for North American and international trade, as well as a highly strategic, major logistics centre in the transport of merchandise. This is why we have to invest in reinforcing our port infrastructure.”
“The Government of Canada’s gesture today also reminds us of the urgency of investing to guarantee fluid access to the port, particularly for trucks,” Mr. Leblanc said. “We particularly support the redevelopment of two strategic access lanes, through the extension of autoroute 25 and access via Assomption Blvd. In fact, the fluid movement of trucks is critical because 45% of merchandise that moves in or out of the Port of Montreal does so by truck. The proposed restructuring will also help reduce the impact of truck traffic in the immediate neighbourhood of the port.”
“In the coming years, the world economic recovery will add a new dynamism to international trade, which slowed seriously in 2009,” Mr. Leblanc said. “For the Port of Montreal, this will involve a significant increase in activities. From this perspective, it is very important to pursue the port’s development in the coming years, mainly by maximizing the density of its existing facilities.”
The Port of Montreal is the largest container port in Canada. It has created more than 18,000 direct and indirect jobs and generates annual economic activity of $1.5 billion.
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is made up of some 7,000 members. Its mission is to represent the interests of the business community of Greater Montréal and to provide individuals, merchants, and local businesses of all sizes with a variety of specialized services to help them achieve their full potential in terms of innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. The Board of Trade is Quebec's leading private economic development organization.
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Source:
Sylvie Paquette
Coordinator, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: 514 871-4000, ext. 4015
sylvie.paquette@ccmm.qc.ca