Project will create jobs and promote economic growth in the Greater Quebec City Area

QUEBEC – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced support for the Jean-Lesage International Airport of Quebec’s long-term expansion and modernization plans. This initiative will help strengthen the local economy while further linking Quebec City to the world. The Prime Minister was joined by Josée Verner, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister for La Francophonie.

“The Jean-Lesage airport is an important component of Canada’s national and international transportation network,” said the Prime Minister. “By making it more attractive to passenger and cargo traffic, our Government is helping businesses in the Greater Quebec City Area compete in the global marketplace and ensuring that the region achieves its full economic potential.” 

Work at the airport will include the extension and widening of two paved strips on airport grounds, the upgrading of underground utilities, as well as the construction of an additional taxiway to connect the Delta and Golf taxiways. These upgrades will improve airport service for domestic and international flights, enhance cargo capacity, and increase the efficiency, capacity and safety of airport operations.

The Government’s contribution for this initiative is made possible through the Gateways and Border Crossings Fund. The Fund provides support for transportation infrastructure and other related initiatives in order to develop and exploit Canada’s strategic gateways, trade corridors and border crossings. The program supports the objectives of the Canada-Ontario-Quebec Continental Gateway initiative, which will aim to develop efficient transportation systems in Ontario and Quebec supporting international commerce. The Gateways and Border Crossings Fund is a part of the Building Canada Plan, which provides long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada.



Backgrounder

JEAN-LESAGE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT OF QUEBEC

Modern, efficient and reliable infrastructure is essential to ensuring that Canada continues to reap the benefits of growing international trade. The Government recognizes that developing our trade-related transport systems is vital to our country’s economy and is committed to ensuring that these transportation networks operate as efficiently as possible. 

In keeping with this commitment, the Government has announced support for the Jean-Lesage International Airport of Quebec’s long-term expansion and modernization plans. The Government will invest up to $50 million to modernize the Airport.

Federal funding for this particular project – valued at up to $21.6 million, over a maximum of three years – is made possible through the Gateways and Border Crossings Fund. The Fund provides support for transportation infrastructure in order to develop and exploit Canada’s strategic gateways, trade corridors and border crossings. The airport authority will also be contributing $21.6 million. The remainder of the federal funding will be set aside for other eligible airport upgrades.

Work at the airport will include the extension and widening of two paved strips on airport grounds, the upgrading of underground utilities, as well as the construction of an additional taxiway to connect the Delta and Golf taxiways. These upgrades will improve airport service for domestic and international flights, enhance cargo capacity, and increase the efficiency, capacity and safety of airport operations.

The Jean-Lesage International Airport of Quebec is the second busiest passenger airport in Quebec after Montreal-Trudeau airport. In 2009, more than one million passengers and 128,000 aircraft flew into or out of Quebec Airport facilities.