No. Q013/05
For release November 24, 2005

AGREEMENT SIGNED TO TRANSFER THE
PORT OF HAVRE-SAINT-PIERRE TO LOCAL INTERESTS

HAVRE-SAINT-PIERRE (Québec) – Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre today announced the signing of an agreement to transfer the Port of Havre-Saint-Pierre to the Corporation de développement et gestion du port de Havre-Saint-Pierre.

The signing of this agreement represents the last step before the finalization of the official transfer of ownership scheduled for the beginning of 2006.

“ The management of this port will soon lie in the hands of the community”, said Mr. Lapierre. We know that the people of Havre-Saint-Pierre will put the required energy to ensure the durability and the development of their port.”

The Port of Havre Saint-Pierre is an important stopover of the Lower North Shore maritime service. Its wharf is located between the marina and the QIT-Fer et Titane’s facilities. The wharf is also used to resupply the fish processing plant.

“The National Marine Policy allows the ports to better respond to client needs more effectively”, added Mr. Lapierre. “ The optimal use of transport infrastructure in this manner will ultimately provide a boost to trade, tourism and job creation.”

Transport Canada’s Port Divestiture Program was established in 1995 as part of the National Marine Policy, with the objective of transferring Regional/Local port sites to other interests. In some cases, ports are being transferred as operating ports; in other cases, Crown land and facilities are being transferred to interested parties for other uses.

- 30 -

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at apps.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.

This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities.