LONGUEUIL, QC, March 15, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, today delivered a keynote address at a luncheon hosted by the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de la Rive-Sud.
"The Harper government is staying focused on what matters most to Canadians — the economy," said Minister Lebel. "With the global economy still fragile, we are concentrating on creating jobs and economic growth."
In his address, Minister Lebel emphasized the Government of Canada's commitment to strengthening the economy. He noted that investments in transportation infrastructure create jobs, while at the same time ensuring the efficient and reliable movement of people and goods. This helps drive economic growth and maintain Canada's competitiveness on the world stage. Investing in a new bridge for the St. Lawrence is a prime example of how the government is helping improve roads, transit systems and bridges across the country.
"The Government of Canada has been working hard to deliver a new bridge for the St. Lawrence because it is necessary for our country's economic prosperity," said Minister Lebel. "We have completed the pre-feasibility study, met with key stakeholders and launched the environmental assessment phase of this project. I am pleased to see the latest project updates and documents available online in one convenient location."
A new section of the Transport Canada website includes timelines, announcements and frequently asked questions. To keep Canadians informed of developments, Transport Canada will update the website with information and reports relating to the new bridge as they become available.
As part of the federal environmental assessment of the new bridge, the public will also have the opportunity to consult and provide comments on the environmental assessment guidelines. Information will be available today through the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry at www.ceaa.gc.ca/050/details-eng.cfm?evaluation=65574. Comments will be received until April 4, 2012.
With an estimated $20 billion in international trade crossing the Champlain Bridge annually, this corridor is important for the regional economy and also benefits the national economy. The safety and security of the people crossing the Champlain Bridge every day are a top priority for the Government of Canada. Since 2009, the government has announced significant investments totalling $380 million to continue to keep this important bridge safe for all who use it. For information about the new bridge for the St. Lawrence, please visit www.tc.gc.ca/nbfsl.
Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
and Minister of the Economic Development Agency
of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
Ottawa
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to e-news at www.tc.gc.ca/e-news or stay connected through RSS, Twitter, Facebook,YouTube, and Flickr to keep up to date on the latest from Transport Canada.
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