Canada's Transport Minister visits marine ports in Quebec, meets with provincial counterparts

QUÉBEC CITY, Sept. 10, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, has concluded two days of meetings on the competitive challenges and successes experienced by the marine shipping sector in Quebec, as it competes in an evolving global environment.

Minister Raitt toured both the Port of Montréal and the Port of Trois-Rivières yesterday, and the Port of Québec today, discussing issues and opportunities with marine shipping leaders. In addition, she met with the Quebec Minister of Transport, Robert Poëti, and the Quebec Minister for Transport and the Implementation of the Maritime Strategy, Jean D'Amour, to explore continued partnership in transportation.

During her visit, Minister Raitt committed that the Government will continue to support port development and efficiency. She highlighted federal initiatives such as infrastructure investments under Canada's Gateways and Canada's $53 billion New Building Canada Plan. The Minister also discussed the paramount role of safety and security in ensuring a sustainable and reliable transportation system.

Quick Facts

• The Port of Montreal offers the shortest direct route from Europe and the Mediterranean to North America, and has over 100 kilometres of dockside railway track which contributes to its efficiency in moving goods from ships to rail and truck.
• The Port of Trois Rivières welcomes about 250 ships each year and handles a variety of products from aluminum to grain, as well as containers and forest products. It is home to the Hector-Louis-Langevin Park, a green space converted from a parking lot and which provides residents access to the banks of the St. Lawrence and Saint-Maurice rivers.
• The Port of Québec is a deep-water port at the head of the Great Lakes--St. Lawrence Seaway which handled 27 million tonnes of material such as cement, iron ore and bulk liquids last year. It also set a record last year in terms of cruise ships, with the passage of 103 ships and 164,000 visitors.

Quote

"Quebec ports form an important part of Canada's supply chain and transportation system. As Canada's Transport Minister, I remain committed to helping the marine shipping sector here build safe, secure, environmentally responsible and efficient transportation for the future."

The Honourable Lisa Raitt
Minister of Transport

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SOURCE: Transport Canada

Jana Régimbal, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, Ottawa, 613-991-0700; Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055