QTA applauds today's Government of Canada announcement

MONTREAL, June 15, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Today's announcement from Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Michigan Governor Rick Snyder that an agreement has finally been reached to build the new, second bridge linking Windsor, ON and Detroit, MI is being greeted by the Quebec Trucking Association (QTA).

M. Marc Cadieux, Quebec Trucking Association's CEO said that this new bridge crossing will reduce congestion at this critical Canada-US border crossing and create new export-related jobs and investment opportunities along the Quebec City-Windsor Corridor.

This announcement is also an illustration of the listening which has demonstrated the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, the Honourable Denis Lebel, during regular meetings held with QTA, and during which the Association had the opportunity to present to the Minister, on several occasions, the importance of this link. Minister Lebel was also present at the time of the announcement.

M. Cadieux added that carriers are loosing many hours in terms of productivity every year, being stuck in traffic congestion. The new Windsor-Detroit Bridge shall increase border crossing capacity to handle projected future growth in cross-border trade. The new bridge will also provide a much-needed crossing alternative at the busiest commercial border crossing in North America. Therefore this announcement is more than welcomed by carriers said Marc Cadieux.

Today's announcement clearly demonstrates the Government of Canada's desire to meet targets set under the signature of the agreement for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness Action Plan, announced by Prime Minister Harper and President Obama on December 7, 2011, which was intended to create a free flow plan of people, goods and services across the border for legitimate travel and trade, for the benefit of both parties.

Recall that the new Detroit River crossing is also a key component of the Continental Gateway and trade corridor and is consistent with the Government of Canada's strategic approach to gateways and trade corridors.

Marc Cadieux, LL.L.
Chief Executive Officer
Quebec Trucking Association

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