Quebec government announces $1.5 billion for Montreal port, marine industry

The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) last week praised the Quebec government's announcement of a $1.5 billion investment (in Canadian dollars) in the country's maritime strategy and for its intention to promote the implementation of logistics hubs.

For the MPA, two investments were announced: $75 million to improve direct road access to the port and $20 million to restore Alexandra Pier and Iberville Passenger Terminal.

"For a port, the flow of transportation is a measure of efficiency and competitiveness. That makes optimizing road access mission-critical," said Sylvie Vachon, MPA's president and chief executive, in a press release.

"In this budget, the government is providing investments that will make it possible for trucks to exit more efficiently to the upper road network and decongest the local road network," Vachon added. "Besides, any logistics activity that makes shipping lines need to come to the port to pick up or deliver containers is a win for us."

The Quebec government's commitment is in addition to the city of Montreal's $15 million contribution to the port as part of a three-year capital works program.

The port handled 1.4 million 20-foot equivalent units in 2014.