Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated on Tuesday that port expansion projects in Montreal and Manitoba may be among the first to be fast-tracked under his government’s new major infrastructure legislation. Carney indicated that Ottawa is proceeding with plans to invest in infrastructure projects as part of efforts to strengthen domestic shipping hubs and broaden trade partnerships.
Carney made the remarks during his visit to Germany and Latvia to strengthen trade ties with Europe through new agreements on energy and critical minerals. Transporting products such as liquefied natural gas and critical minerals to Europe requires infrastructure upgrades at several Canadian ports.
The infrastructure investments will cover upgrades and expansion at the Port of Montreal in Contrecoeur, the development of a new port in Churchill, Manitoba, which would unlock significant opportunities, and improvements to various East Coast ports to support the export of minerals and metals.
Carney highlighted the Contrecoeur expansion of the Port of Montreal as a likely prospect for early approval under his administration’s major infrastructure initiative. The project aims to boost Montreal’s container shipping capacity by up to 40%.
In June, the government enacted Bill C-5 to expedite approval for key developments deemed vital to national interests. The legislation is part of a broader strategy to accelerate Canada’s economic growth and manufacturing output while also diversifying trade routes in response to the disruption caused by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.
A new port in Churchill, located on Hudson Bay, is also among the projects that could receive approval within the weeks.
Churchill’s port has served as a hub for grain exports, but recent investments have broadened its capabilities. Notably, last summer marked the first shipment of critical minerals from the port in over twenty years. Plans are also being considered to modernize the facility to enable liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.
AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE | Nigeria, Brazil Sign Bilateral Air Service Agreement to Boost Ties
