The quality of Canada's transportation infrastructure and the efficiency of the country's trade corridors are key to the success of Canadian companies in the global marketplace. The Government of Canada invests in infrastructure projects that create quality, middle-class jobs and support economic growth.
Today, the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, and Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax, announced a major investment of $47.5 million for two projects that will increase capacity at the Port of Halifax to move Canadian goods to international markets.
The first project will increase storage capacity at the Port of Halifax by connecting the South End Container Terminal to the Fairview Cove Container Terminal by rail. Among other improvements, the Port will add rail tracks within its existing footprint and acquire four new rail-mounted cranes to load and unload containers faster and more efficiently at both terminals. As a result of this project, there will be an increase in the transportation of goods by rail between the two terminals in downtown Halifax, and a reduction in traffic congestion.
The second project will upgrade the Windsor Street Exchange, which is the main access road to the Port of Halifax. This work includes realigning the Bedford Highway, upgrading Lady Hammond Road and installing new traffic signals to improve traffic flow. These upgrades will reduce traffic congestion, improve safety and increase the reliability and efficiency of freight movements.
These investments are expected to have important economic and employment benefits for the region by creating an estimated 880 jobs during construction.
The Government of Canada is supporting infrastructure projects that contribute most to Canada's success in international trade. Trade diversification is a key component of the National Trade Corridors Fund, funding projects that:
- improve the fluidity and performance of the transportation system to increase the value and volume of goods exported from Canada to overseas markets; and
- increase new overseas trade as a result of the investment.
"Our government is investing in Canada's economy by making improvements to our trade and transportation corridors. We are supporting projects to efficiently move goods to market and people to their destinations, stimulate economic growth, create quality middle-class jobs, and ensure that Canada's transportation networks remain competitive and efficient."
The Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport
"As someone who has been involved with our city's growth and economic development for a long time, I know the importance of the Port to the economy of Atlantic Canada. And as a city planner and Halifax resident, getting trucks off the downtown streets has long been a priority for me and for most Haligonians. This investment demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to Halifax and our important port infrastructure"
Andy Fillmore
Member of Parliament for Halifax
Quick facts
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In 2017, total international merchandise trade amounted to $1.1 trillion. The United States continues to be Canada's top trade partner, with $703 billion in trade, accounting for 63.5 per cent of total Canadian trade in 2017. Trade with Asia (excluding the Middle East) has grown by 9.5 percent since 2015 to $183.7 billion in 2017. Trade with Europe has grown by 8.7 per cent since 2015 to $107.9 billion in 2017.
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The Government of Canada places a strong emphasis on exports because of the connection between trade and good, well-paying jobs, as industries that are export-intensive pay wages that are, on average, more than 50 per cent higher than industries that are not.
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Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
