The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, was joined today by Sylvie Vachon, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Montréal Port Authority, to announce a major investment in key enhancements to be made at the Port of Montréal.  The three main components of the project involve expanding container capacity in the Viau sector, deepening vessel berths, and improving truck traffic flow in and around the port. This work is expected to significantly increase the Port's handling capacity, facilitate the accommodation of larger vessels, and greatly improve traffic flow for the more than 2,500 trucks that pass through the port daily.  The Port of Montréal will receive up to $43,666,667 through the National Infrastructure Component of the New Building Canada Fund for these key upgrades. This is the first funding announcement under the National Infrastructure Component and the first project to be funded under this program in Québec. Designed to support projects of national significance that have a strong impact on Canada's economic well-being, such as transportation and trade corridors, the National Infrastructure Component is a vital part of the federal government's New Building Canada Plan.  The project will help ensure the already very busy port facilities can support growth and meet increasing demand, particularly the additional business expected from the new Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreementbetween Canada and the European Union. This historic trade agreement will open new markets to our exporters throughout the EU, expand two-way trade and generate significant benefits for all Canadians. The work will help the Port reinforce its status as a vital global shipping link while stimulating economic activity and development at the local, regional and national level.  Quick Facts  Connected to over 80 countries, the Port of Montréal is a major trans-shipment centre and hub of world trade that handles more than 30 million tonnes of diverse cargo per year. It is the second-largest container port in Canada, after Vancouver, and the fifth largest on North America's east coast. The Government of Canada is providing one-third of the eligible funding for this project up to a maximum of $43,666,667 through the National Infrastructure Component of the New Building Canada Fund. The Montréal Port Authority will be responsible for the remaining cost of the project, which is estimated to be $132 million. Through the $4-billion National Infrastructure Component of the New Building Canada Fund, the Government of Canada is providing financial support for projects with far-reaching benefits for all Canadians.  Quotes  "With the New Building Canada Fund, our Government's support for public infrastructure has never been stronger. We are committed to investing in priority infrastructure projects that focus on creating jobs and promoting long-term prosperity across Canada. Enhancing the Port of Montréal's capacity and efficiency will encourage economic growth for businesses and residents in the region and greatly contribute to the global competitiveness of the nation as a whole."  The Honourable Denis Lebel  Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Québec Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec "This substantial financial contribution from the federal government's New Building Canada Fund will provide significant help in positioning the Port of Montréal to fully profit from growth opportunities in marine transportation in the coming years, particularly in the context of the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Optimizing our container-handling capacity and improving our marine and road access will hugely benefit our clients and partners here and elsewhere, not to mention the Canadian economy."  Sylvie Vachon, President and Chief Executive Officer, Montréal Port Authority  "This announcement is big news for Montréal. This investment will allow the Port to become even more competitive and further expand its global reach. I am grateful to the Port and the Government of Canada for this contribution to the strengthening of our beautiful city."  Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montréal  Associated links  Learn more about the National Infrastructure Component of the New Building Canada Fund: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nic-vin-prog-eng.html.   Get more information on the New Building Canada Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nbcp-npcc-eng.html.   Read about the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreementbetween Canada and the European Union: http://www.international.gc.ca/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/agr-acc/ceta-aecg/index.aspx?lang=eng.   Consult Canada's Economic Action Plan to learn more about the Government of Canada's focus on jobs and the economy: http://www.eap.gc.ca.   Get more information on the funding for key upgrades to the Port of Montréal: http://www.port-montreal.com/files/PDF/publications/2015-01-20_annonce-lebel-background-en.pdf