Québec Marine Transportation Policy - Transport - Gouvernement ...

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Conclusion
This policy document demonstrates the government’s strong desire to implement new measures to
revitalize the shipping industry. The ministère des Transports’ role is to facilitate the movement of
passengers and goods throughout Québec and to outline the structure of the transport network,
and this document is clearly in line with this mission.
The government felt it had a role to play in the efficient integration of the various modes of
transportation in Québec in order to guarantee the socio-economic development of the province.
It is therefore necessary to re-examine the role of the shipping industry and to support the maintenance
and growth of the network. The government has directed its efforts mainly in the area
of cabotage as a complement to other means of transport, and the development of continental
and international transportation where the Saint-Laurent offers major advantages.
Through the promotion of the river as a major trade route, the government also becomes
involved in regional economic development. The Saint-Laurent holds a special place in Québec’s
history, as it is the access route to Québec’s interior that facilitated the settlement of the colony
and the creation of communities that developed the essential economic activities of the province.
The Québec Marine Transportation Policy will allow the government to further develop the large
population centres in the province and the coastal and tributary regions.
The Québec Marine Transportation Policy, which places a high priority on the promotion of the
shipping industry and the Saint-Laurent along with the development of a skilled workforce, represents
a challenge and will test the creativity of the government and the industry. Through this policy, the
government encourages the industry to develop a more efficient maritime transport system that will
benefit all Quebecers in the form of employment for workers in marine transportation, of exportrelated
industries and better consumer prices for the population in general.
By mobilizing our efforts we will be able to revitalize our shipping industry, which plays a strategic
role in the Québec economy and the community as a whole.