Developing our full and sustainable maritime potential - Transfer of four port facilities to the Government of Quebec

MATANE, QC, Aug. 8, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, an agreement in principle has been announced for the transfer, as of March 30, 2020, of the ports of Matane, Gaspé, Rimouski and Gros-Cacouna to the Government of Quebec under the Port Facility Transfer Program. In addition to the commercial docks, the transfer includes buildings and storage areas, breakwaters at the Matane and Gros-Cacouna ports and a spur pier at the Port of Rimouski.

The Government of Canada will provide $163 M for the four ports. This includes a $148.8M grant to the Province to support the future costs of operating and maintaining the ports, the balance representing investments in specific projects and other costs to be incurred by Transport Canada prior to their transfer.

This change will contribute to the sustainability of these facilities, which contribute to economic prosperity and job creation in the communities and regions they serve. It will also allow a better valorization of their potential according to the needs of current users, the development of new activities and the involvement of users and local partners in the management of these ports.

Quotes

[translation]  

"The Ports Asset Transfer Program is an important opportunity for the communities of Matane, Gaspé, Rimouski and Gros-Cacouna. The transfer of these facilities gives the Government of Quebec and other private businesses the green light to invest in these communities, which will greatly contribute to the commercial and tourism development in the region, and will lead to enviable economic benefits for regional populations." 
The Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport 

"The St. Lawrence River has always been at the heart of Quebec's economic, social and cultural development. In 2014, we made the commitment to develop its enormous potential in a sustainable way by providing Quebec with its first maritime strategy. In recent years, more than 10,000 jobs have been created throughout Quebec and port cities have developed in our regions. Today, by taking possession of our commercial ports, these strategic assets, we are giving Quebec a new leverage. We promised to deliver a sustainable, economic and innovative vision of marine development, and that's exactly what we did. We unveiled our potential, believed in our entrepreneurs, relied on the talent of the workers and encouraged creativity and research. Quebec and the marine industry have gained momentum. Let's continue together!" 
Philippe Couillard
Premier of Quebec

"Our investments in the maintenance and transfer of these four ports to the Government of Quebec give rise to a collaboration that will create very interesting business opportunities in our region. It is excellent news for the Quebec maritime industry and for communities in Gaspésie."
The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier
Minister of National Revenue
Member for Gaspésie—Les-Îles-de-la-Madeleine

"This agreement is a major step in realizing the government's guidelines set out in the Maritime Strategy. It is the expression of an unprecedented level of commitment by the Government of Quebec, in support of the economic development of the regions, which are fertile ground for expanding our maritime economy." 
Jean D'Amour
Minister for Maritime Affairs
Minister responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent Region

"The Ports Asset Transfer Program will allow the Port of Matane achieve its full potential and significantly contribute to creating jobs in the Avignon-La Mitis-Matane-Matapédia district. It's a winning announcement for our maritime sector and all of Matanie."
Rémi Massé
Member for Avignon-La Mitis-Matane-Matapédia

Quick facts

• Since the introduction of the National Marine Policy in 1995, the Government of Canada has transferred the ownership and operation of 500 port facilities to interested parties across the country.
• The Ports Asset Transfer Program, launched in April 2015, is aimed at facilitating the transfer of the 50 remaining port facilities from Transport Canada's inventory to other entities. The Program aims to sell or transfer Transport Canada-administered port facilities to interested parties, including crown corporations and other federal departments, provincial and municipal governments, non-profit organizations, the general public and indigenous groups.
• The Maritime Strategy, the first such strategy in Quebec's history, presents a perspective up to 2030 and sets out an action plan for the 2015–2020 period. With this vision, the government is unveiling what the Quebec maritime sector will be in the next fifteen years. It establishes the foundation so that everyone can work together to make Quebec a prosperous maritime nation, looking to the future.
• Thanks to the Maritime Strategy, in Quebec, more than 327 projects were launched in Quebec, for a total investment of more than $2.26 billion. More than 10,531 jobs were created and consolidated.

SOURCE Transport Canada

Contacts: Delphine Denis, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, Ottawa, [email protected], 613-991-0700; Joçanne Prévost, Press Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister of Québec, 418 643-5321; Véronique Michaud, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister for Maritime Affairs and Minister responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, 418-691-5650; Information: Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055, [email protected]; Media Relations, Direction des communications, Ministère des Transports, de la Mobilité durable et de l'Électrification des transports, Quebec: 418-644-4444, Montréal: 514-873-5600, Toll-free: 1-866-341-5724

Related Links

www.tc.gc.ca