No. Q 011/07
For release September 21, 2007

CANADA'S NEW GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES THE START OF DREDGING WORK AT THE PORT OF GROS-CACOUNA

GROS-CACOUNA – The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced that a contract of close to $2.4 million has been awarded for the dredging of the port of Gros-Cacouna. This announcement follows Minister Cannon's summer tour of Eastern Quebec last July during which he announced investments of close to $13 million in several Quebec ports.

"The dredging of the port of Gros-Cacouna is vital for the safe passage of ships," said Minister Cannon. "This announcement demonstrates our government’s commitment to investing in public infrastructures which support safe and economically strong communities."

Dredging work will consist of making the manoeuvring area's average depth 8.0 metres and returning the berth depths to 10.2 metres. Valued at $2,377,500, the work will be undertaken by the firm McNally Construction Inc. and should begin in the following weeks to end before the end of the year.

"While ensuring safe manoeuvring for large vessels, accomplishing this dredging project at the Gros-Cacouna port will ensure the continued pursuit of commercial activities at the port", added Minister Cannon.

The Gros-Cacouna dredging project has undergone an environmental assessment under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. Furthermore, during the work, measures will be taken to minimize the impact on normal port activities.

The Gros-Cacouna port is located on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River, about 15 kilometers northeast of the City of Rivière-du-Loup. Softwood lumber and pulp as well as paper produced in the region and general merchandise contribute significantly to the volume of products handled at the port.

-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.