CP's Creel, Premier Higgs discuss economic growth potential

Canadian Pacific officials reaffirmed the railroad's commitment to grow traffic at the Port of Saint John and stimulate economic growth and investment in New Brunswick at a meeting yesterday with Premier Blaine Higgs.

With its recent purchase of the Central Maine & Quebec Railway (CMQ), CP makes its return to Atlantic Canada. Its rail network now more directly connects Atlantic Canada to Montreal, Toronto and the U.S. Midwest to create a competitive transportation service that will support economic growth in New Brunswick and throughout Atlantic Canada, CP officials said in a press release.

"The opportunities created by our return to the region are generational," said CP President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Creel. "We are excited about working with our customers and supply chain enablers in New Brunswick to grow the Port of Saint John, increase optionality and bring investment and economic development to the region."

Located on Canada's Atlantic coast, the deepwater port has the ability to handle a variety of cargo, including containers, automobiles and bulk commodities.

"The return of CP is a game-changing opportunity for not only Saint John and New Brunswick, but for all of Atlantic Canada," said Higgs. "This provides a competitive option for our region to access both domestic and international markets."

To learn more about CP's acquisition of CMQ, read this feature article in Progressive Railroading's July issue.