Quebec seeks to become ‘mega-hub of transatlantic trade.’ Making good on a key election promise in 2014, the Quebec Liberal government recently launched an ambitious Maritime Strategy blueprint that envisions an estimated C$9 billion in infrastructure investments over the next 15 years in maritime-related industries on or near the St. Lawrence shipping corridor. Sylvie Vachon, President and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority, was effusive in her praise, calling the initiative “a turning point in our history.” Special focus on the St. Lawrence River’s economic potential has always been high on the radar screen of provincial governments in Canada’s French-speaking province. But it is the first time that such a comprehensive program, despite being short on some specifics, has been elaborated following extensive consultations with industry stakeholders. It has emerged as a linchpin of overall economic policy. Not surprisingly, the Port of Montreal and the Montreal region are singled out for prominent roles amidst mounting competition all across North America’s East Coast to meet the transportation, logistics and trade challenges of the 21st century. On the commercial shipping front, the goal is, no less, to transform Quebec into “the mega-hub of transatlantic trade” – which would encompass bulk and breakbulk as well as general cargo. In particular, opportunities of increased maritime exchanges are anticipated from the Canada-European Union free trade agreement awaiting ratification, from the expansion of the Panama Canal in 2016, and from persistent congestion issues in U.S. ports. When a 53-page document was released in late June, Premier Philippe Couillard announced “a series of measures that will enable us to benefit fully and sustainably from our maritime potential and make Quebec a special gateway for major markets in northeastern North America.” ‘Door of Entry into Eastern North America’ Couillard agreed, “Quebec has a unique opportunity to establish itself as the international door of entry into eastern North America with regard to goods and transit. “Our job is to tell people about the opportunity that Montreal presents in terms of access to the heart of North America and that it can accommodate even large ships.” The latter was a reference to the fact that since 2013 Montreal can receive post-Panamax vessels. Jean D’Amour, Minister for Transport and the Implementation of the Maritime Strategy, has qualified the action plan as “ambitious, visionary and unifying.” The provincial government intends to invest some C$1.5 billion over the next five years and all told C$5 billion by 2030 in infrastructure and other initiatives. It is counting on the private sector to invest about C$4 billion in various projects ranging from intermodal transport to logistics centers and tourism. Some 10,000 new jobs are foreseen over the next five years, climbing to 30,000 new jobs within 15 years. During the first five years of the action plan to sustainably develop the maritime economy, the government intends to invest some C$200 million in port and intermodal infrastructure projects to help meet the challenges of competitiveness, notably vis-à-vis U.S. East Coast ports. About C$75 million is destined for enhancing road access to the Port of Montreal, which has become increasingly strained during peak periods. Two New Logistics Hubs in Montreal Region The plan provides for investing about C$300 million in the establishment of modern logistics hubs in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges area near Montreal and at Contrecoeur, 28 miles from Montreal on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River. Another C$300 million is earmarked for supporting private investment projects in industrial port zones (that remain to be determined). Further investments listed include C$50 million to develop Quebec shipyards, and more than $50 million for cruise terminal expansion in Montreal and Quebec City. Among other features, the plan allocates C$35 million to support initiatives to improve the efficiency of maritime transport; C$30 million for tourism projects; plus substantial investments for protecting marine wildlife and ecosystems and for modernizing the fishing industry. Another area of interest is short sea shipping. Here, the government wants short sea shipping to develop its full potential to take advantage of its economic, social and environmental benefits and to benefit from anticipated demand from such alternative energy sources as liquefied natural gas. In St. Lawrence River ports, short sea shipping currently accounts for about 20% of maritime traffic. The assistance offered in this sector under the programs will attain C$35 million over the next five years. Early industry response was enthusiastic, as reflected in the comment noted earlier from Vachon of the Port of Montreal. The Conseil du patronat, the top business association, said the blueprint was an important undertaking to bolster Quebec prosperity. The St. Lawrence Economic Development Council (SODES) applauded a plan that “placed the maritime industry at the heart of Quebec’s economic development.” “The St. Lawrence is an exceptional trade corridor that opens the doors of the world to businesses in Quebec,” said Gaétan Morin, President of the Quebec Federation of Labour. He indicated the fund will boost its large existing investments in the transport and logistics sectors by at least another C$100 million.