Press release
Modernization and expansion of the Lacolle-Champlain border crossing: Excellent news for metropolitan region exporters
Montreal , August 8, 2005 The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal hails the official start of the U.S. authorities' project for the modernization and expansion of the Lacolle-Champlain border crossing.
The Lacolle-Champlain border crossing is the primary point of entry for Quebec merchandise destined to the important northeastern United States market. Over 380,000 trucks cross the border at Lacolle every year, which represents more than 1,000 trucks per day! Given the critical importance of this border crossing to Quebec exporters, the modernization and expansion project, made possible as a result of an investment of over $100 million USD by authorities south of the border, is to be commended, declared Ms. Isabelle Hudon, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal .
Over 80% of Quebec's exports are to the United States market, with 12% of these destined to the State of New York. Such figures make it hard to deny the monumental significance of the Lacolle-Champlain border crossing for our exports and for the Quebec economy as a whole. Businesses from the metropolitan Montreal region, which account for 70% of all the province's exports, will be particularly affected by the initiative to transform the Lacolle-Champlain zone into a true Port of Excellence, continued Ms. Hudon.
At a time when concerns regarding border security are top-of-mind, such investments are critical to meeting both safety expectations and ensuring the smooth flow of trade between Canada and the United States . Once the upgrading of the Lacolle-Champlain facilities is completed, in 2008, our exporters will benefit from the competitive advantage conferred by the modernized, more efficient border crossing, Ms. Hudon added.
In addition to rejoicing at the official start of the work, the commitment of the governments of the United States and the State of New York , as well as their Canadian and Quebec counterparts, merits recognition. Through planned investments on both sides of the border, they will transform the Lacolle-Champlain border crossing into a state-of-the art exporting facility. This being said, the Board of Trade also extols the efforts, determination and dedication of the Plattsburgh North Country Chamber of Commerce to ensuring this project became a reality, concluded Ms. Isabelle Hudon.
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal has some 7,000 members. Its primary mission is to represent the interests of the business community of Greater Montreal and to provide individuals, merchants and businesses of all sizes with a variety of specialized services to help them achieve their full potential in terms of innovation, productivity and competitiveness. The Board of Trade is Quebec 's leading private economic development organization.
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Source:
Julie Desjardins
Coordinator, Communications
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: (514) 871-4000, ext. 4008
julie.desjardins@ccmm.qc.ca