Q No. 015/07
For release - December 12, 2007

THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA KEEPS ITS PROMISE AND ANNOUNCES THE START OF RESTORATION WORK AT THE PORT OF BAIE-COMEAU

BAIE-COMEAU – The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, announced today that a contract of close to $9 million has been awarded to rebuild berth no 3 of the Baie-Comeau commercial wharf. This announcement follows Minister Cannon's summer tour of Eastern Quebec last July during which he announced investments of several million dollars in Quebec ports.

"As promised during my visit in Baie-Comeau last summer, the contract is now in place. This work will maintain the safety of Port of Baie-Comeau's users," said Minister Cannon. "The announcement of the start of restoration work demonstrates once again our government's commitment to investing in the maintenance of regional federal infrastructure. "

The restoration project for wharf n°3 will consist mainly of rebuilding a permanent, safe and adequately wide access for vehicles and consolidating the docking wall of berth nº 3. In addition to ensuring marine safety in the area near the structure, the repair work will help protect the harbour from waves, ice and sedimentation, and will provide safe access for heavy vehicles operating at berths n°1 and n°2. Valued at $8,545,630, the work will be undertaken by the firm EBC Inc. from Ancienne-Lorette and will be conducted from December 2007 to December 2008.

"In addition to meeting the needs of the community, this work will contribute to the socio-economic development of the whole region," added Minister Cannon.

This 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 regular port activities.

The Baie-Comeau port facilities are located on the North Shore of the Saint Lawrence River, near the mouth of the Manicouagan River. At the marine level, Baie-Comeau provides water access to Matane via the road and rail ferry. Therefore, industrial products made in the region are shipped around the world from the Baie-Comeau port.

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