The Government of Canada invests in transportation infrastructure at the London International Airport

LONDON, ON, July 25, 2018 /CNW/ - The quality of Canada's transportation infrastructure and the efficiency of the country's trade corridors are key to the success of Canadian firms in the global marketplace. The Government of Canada supports infrastructure projects that create quality middle-class jobs and boost economic growth.

Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion, on behalf of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, announced an investment of $3.3 million for a project that will help local businesses compete by strengthening the safety and sustainability of airport infrastructure.

The project involves removing and rebuilding London International Airport's Taxiway G which will help to ensure consistency in the services provided by this airport, while also helping to improve the flow of goods and passengers.  Rebuilding the taxiway will also reduce potential runway hazards, therefore increasing safety for passengers, airlines and airport staff.

This project will help to ensure consistency in the services provided by this airport, while also helping to improve the flow of goods and passengers. Rebuilding the taxiway will also reduce potential runway hazards, therefore increasing safety for passengers, airlines and airport staff.

The Greater London International Airport Authority is contributing $3.3 million to the project.

This project is expected to have important economic and employment benefits for the region by creating an estimated 65 jobs during construction.

The Government of Canada is supporting infrastructure projects that contribute to Canada's continued success in domestic and international commerce. For example, projects being funded will:

• upgrade critical safety infrastructure at National Airports System airports with annual passenger flows below 600,000;
• support economic activity and the physical movement of goods or people in Canada;
• help the transportation system withstand the effects of climate change and make sure it is able to support new technologies and innovation;
• address transportation bottlenecks and congestion along Canada's trade corridors; and
• increase the fluidity of Canadian trade around the world through our ports, airports, roads, railways, intermodal facilities, bridges and border crossings.

Provincial, territorial and municipal governments, Indigenous groups, not-for-profit and for-profit private-sector organizations, federal Crown Corporations, Canadian Port Authorities, and National Airport System Airport Authorities are all eligible for funding under the National Trade Corridors Fund.

Quote

"Our government recognizes that the transportation and distribution of goods are a vital part of our local, regional and national economies. From coast to coast to coast, small and medium sized businesses rely on it to provide Canadians with the goods and services they need. The investment announced today will make our transportation system stronger by addressing urgent capacity constraints at the London International Airport. It will foster long-term prosperity for the community, support tourism, and good middle-class jobs."

The Honourable Mary Ng
Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion and Member of Parliament for Markham—Thornhill

"Our government is investing in Canada's economy by making improvements to our trade and transportation corridors. We are supporting projects that will efficiently move commercial 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

"I am very pleased that this important project is going ahead. The London International Airport is a strategic economic gateway and ensuring that we address transportation bottlenecks and develop strategies to minimize congestion is vital to fostering long-term prosperity in our community. This investment underscores the importance of our airport to the continuing prosperity of our region and country."

Kate Young
Member of Parliament for London West

"Since being elected in October 2015, I have heard loud and clear from constituents that the London International Airport needs to be better supported. Through today's pivotal investment, our Government is committed to fulfilling this vision and ensuring this important economic generator for our province will keep serving our community for generations to come."

Peter Fragiskatos
Member of Parliament for London North Centre

Quick Facts

• This project will strengthen the safety and sustainability of the London International Airport, which is part of the National Airports System. The 26 airports in the National Airports System serve about 95 percent of all scheduled passenger and cargo traffic in Canada, and handle almost all of Canada's international trade flows by air.
• Transportation is an important element of Canada's trade with other countries. In 2017, total international merchandise trade amounted to $1.1 trillion. The United States continued to be Canada's top trade partner, with $703 billion in trade ($415 billion exported, $288 billion imported), accounting for 63.5 per cent of total Canadian trade in 2017.
• 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.

Related Product

• National Trade Corridors Fund Backgrounder

Associated Links

• Trade and Transportation Corridor Initiative
• Investing in Canada Plan
• Transportation 2030

SOURCE Transport Canada

For further information: Delphine Denis, Office of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, Ottawa, [e-mail], 613-991-0700; Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, [e-mail], 613-993-0055

Related Links

www.tc.gc.ca