Transport Minister Omar Alghabra announced last Thursday that up to CA$100 million from the National Trade Corridors Fund would go to increase cargo and logistics handling operations at the Edmonton International Airport.
The funding is a show of commitment by the Government of Canada to strengthen the country’s trade corridors to keep their supply chains moving, bolster their economy, and ensure Canadians receive their products on time, according to a news release.
“Our government is committed to keeping our supply chains resilient, and this announcement will help strengthen the economic development of the Edmonton International Airport, Leduc County, and the region of Edmonton. This funding will expand the operational capacity of the airport by adding more space for cargo handling operations and new transportation infrastructure. By investing in our airports, we are creating good jobs, strengthening our economy, and maintaining a competitive and resilient supply chain,” Alghabra said.
The project will convert around 2,000 acres of land into a global cargo handling operation. Through this investment, Edmonton International Airport will expand its multi-modal distribution throughout Canada, the United States of America, and Mexico.
The airport’s increased cargo capacity will improve the movement of import and export trade routes and strengthen Canada’s supply chain.
“Cargo and logistics play a major role in our region’s economic growth and development. Increasing air capacity and global market access for exports and trade opportunities is a global game changer. It drives the growth of small and medium enterprises in Alberta and the rest of Canada, which creates jobs and spurs investment. Working towards these goals, we are excited to announce the development of the International Cargo Hub. The Government of Canada’s investment into EIA will help accelerate our plans to position the Edmonton Metropolitan Region as a key multi-modal global logistics hub and vital trade corridor for Canada. This hub will be transformational for the Edmonton Metro Region,” said Tom Ruth, president and CEO of Edmonton International Airport.
Through the National Trade Corridors Fund, the Government of Canada is investing in well-functioning trade corridors to help Canadians compete in key global markets, trade more efficiently with international partners, and keep Canada’s supply chain competitive.
The investment also represents a long-term commitment by the Government of Canada to work with stakeholders on strategic infrastructure projects to address transportation bottlenecks, vulnerabilities, and congestion along Canada’s trade corridors.
Provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, Indigenous groups, not-for-profit and for-profit private-sector organizations, federal Crown corporations, and academia are all eligible for funding under the National Trade Corridors Fund.