TMCnet News
The Government of Canada invests $254 million to support trade diversification and increase trade capacity in the Saint John Trade CorridorSAINT JOHN, NB, Oct. 21, 2026 /CNW/ -- Canada is focused on what we can control: building a stronger, more independent, and more sustainable economy. Central to that is an integrated transportation network that supports the efficient and reliable movement of goods across the country and to international markets. Today, the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, announced an investment of up to $254 million through the Trade Diversification Corridors Fund to support the Saint John Trade Corridor project, in partnership with the Government of New Brunswick's Regional Development Corporation, the Saint John Port Authority, New Brunswick Southern Railway, and the New Brunswick Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. This investment will implement a series of targeted improvements to unlock the Port's potential, enabling it to handle between 850,000 and 1 million twenty-foot equivalent units annually along the Atlantic coast. The Saint John Trade Corridor project will expand warehouse capacity, supporting higher-value cargo and lower dwell-times. Dredging and marine service upgrades will increase tidal windows, reduce tide-related delays, and accommodate larger vessels. The project cements Saint John as a stronger, agile Atlantic Gateway. Combined with other recent investments in cold-chain infrastructure, Saint John will support discretionary and temperature-sensitive cargo, reinforce North–South trade links, and provide shippers with an additional routing option when other gateways face congestion or disruption. Building on recent investments, including over $76 million through the National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF), this project will improve port operations, strengthen rail connections, and reduce delays in moving goods. These improvements will help the Port of Saint John handle more cargo, attract new shipping services and business opportunities, and support job creation and economic growth in the region. As Canada continues to unlock access to new global markets, today's investments will optimize port operations and develop trade-enabling transportation infrastructure that move our economy through the:
Through thi investment, this project will enhance regional connectivity, strengthen links to national and international trade corridors, and help build a more efficient and resilient transportation network. This investment also advances priorities identified by the Atlantic Economic Panel, which highlighted Saint John's potential to grow as a major trade gateway. By expanding port capacity and strengthening rail connections, Canada is helping businesses move more goods to more markets. Quotes "Canada cannot take access to any single market for granted. By modernizing our transportation system, we are helping move goods more quickly, strengthening supply chains, attracting investment, and reinforcing Canada's position as a reliable trading partner. By expanding capacity in key corridors, we are making it easier and faster to move goods across Canada and to international markets. These investments are critical to a strong and competitive economy." The Honourable Steven MacKinnon "New Brunswick has what the world wants, and we're investing in the infrastructure to get our goods to markets across Canada and around the world. This investment will help our businesses reach new customers, compete in global markets, and create good-paying jobs right here at home. By building on our strengths and strengthening the connections that move our economy forward, we're creating more opportunities for New Brunswickers." The Honourable Susan Holt "Today is an historic day for Saint John, New Brunswick, and Canada. This project, which includes a federal contribution of $254 million, is a partnership between the federal and provincial governments, Port Saint John, and private-sector partners to expand trade, create good jobs, and drive growth. Our government is focused on diversifying trade and moving faster, and today, we're delivering by strengthening the entire Saint John region and province as one of Canada's key gateways to the world." The Honourable Wayne Long Quick facts
Associated links
Visit Transport Canada's website. Subscribe to e-news or follow us on X, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn to keep up to date on the latest from Transport Canada. Alternative formats Contact us for an alternative format of this news release. SOURCE Transport Canada - Ottawa 
|