The Governments of Canada and Quebec invest to strengthen ties between the Dolbeau and Mistassini sectors

DOLBEAU-MISTASSINI, QC, Aug. 10, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Safe efficient rail networks are key to maintaining economic productivity and a high quality of life for all Quebecers. The governments of Canada and Quebec are investing in transportation infrastructure throughout the province to improve the flow of travellers and goods.

Quebec Premier, Philippe Couillard and Richard Hébert, Member of Parliament for Lac-Saint-Jean, today announced funding for the construction of a rail link over the Mistassini River in Dolbeau-Mistassini. The Government of Canada is contributing over $12 million to this project, and the Government of Quebec is investing more than $24.1 million. This financial support comes from the New Building Canada Fund, Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component—National and Regional Projects.

Construction of the railway bridge includes the connection to the existing railway, a rail yard on the west side of the river, a rail link to the industrial park on the east side of the Mistassini River, and installation of a surface allowing for emergency vehicle traffic. Once completed, this project will support the RCM of Maria-Chapdelaine in the development of its industrial park by thanks to improving daily traffic for the transportation of goods from one side of the river to the other.

Quotes

"Access to transportation is a key factor in industrial development, especially in a region like Lac-Saint-Jean, which is on the outskirts of major markets. Our businesses require an efficient, reliable, modern and competitive way of transporting their goods to thrive. It is an undeniable factor and the main reason we chose to support this project. Moreover, the rail link was recommended by the Transportation Working Group of the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean Regional Economic Summit, supported by the Economic Intervention Tactical Group; two working groups we set up in recent years in collaboration with regional socio-economic organizations to contribute to local strength and vitality."

Philippe Couillard, Premier of Quebec, Minister Responsible for the Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean Region, and Member of the National Assembly for Roberval

"I am very pleased to acknowledge the Government of Canada's contribution to this important project for the RCM of Maria-Chapdelaine and its industrial park. Investments like this are a key example of how our historic infrastructure plan is not only create jobs and new opportunities for the middle class, but also laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term economic growth. Through this plan, we are helping to build strong, resilient and inclusive communities that will remain competitive in this 21st‑century economy and successful for generations to come."

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"The Government of Canada's investment in the railway bridge project is an essential contribution. It reaffirms our support for the local workers and industry. We are proud to announce the construction of this infrastructure which will facilitate the daily movement of goods from one side of the river to the other. Collaboration among all levels of government through the sharing of regional development strategies will help promote export opportunities for businesses in our region."

Richard Hébert, Member of Parliament for Lac-Saint-Jean

"The entire region north of Quebec and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean will soon be accessible by rail thanks to this new passage over the Mistassini River. This new access point will promote synergy in the region, encouraging the consolidation and growth of the Gande-Anse port facilities. It will also ensure that a variety of transportation infrastructure is available in the region to help support the mining sectors that are integral to the development of the Plan Nord."

Luc Simard, Reeve of the Maria-Chapdelaine RCM

Quick Facts

• Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities. More than $10.1 billion of this funding will support trade and transportation projects, including $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
• Over the next 10 years, the Government of Quebec plans to invest over $100.4 billion from the province's infrastructure plan in education, health and transportation to improve families' quality of life and create the conditions that support innovation and economic growth.

Related Links

Investing in Canada – Canada's long-term infrastructure plan:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/about-invest-apropos-eng.html

Federal infrastructure investments in Quebec:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/index-eng.html  

For further information on the Quebec government's public infrastructure priorities, refer to the Plan québécois des infrastructures (French only).

Twitter: @INFC_eng 
Website: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

Kate Monfette, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Tel.: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Joçanne Prévost, Press Secretary, Office of the Premier of Quebec, Tel.: [phone]; For information: Infrastructure Canada, Tel.: [phone], Toll-free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]; Media Relations: Communications Branch, Quebec Department of Transport, Sustainable Mobility and Transport Electrification, Quebec City: 418-644-4444, Montreal: 514-873-5600, Toll-free: 1-866-341-5724

Related Links

http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/