Prime Minister Carney Breaks Ground on Montréal Port Expansion
Montréal Port expansion boosts Canada trade capacity and economic growth
The April 9, 2026 announcement confirms that work is now underway on what is being described as the largest eastern port expansion in Canadian history. The project will increase the Port of Montréal’s container capacity by approximately 60 per cent and add a modern terminal equipped with integrated rail, road, and marine connections.
The expansion is expected to significantly enhance the movement of goods through the St. Lawrence corridor, one of Canada’s most critical trade gateways.
Accelerated Through Major Projects Office
The Contrecœur terminal is the first project referred to the federal government’s Major Projects Office (MPO) to move from proposal to construction. Initially referred in September 2025, the project advanced to groundbreaking in less than seven months.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the MPO helped coordinate approvals, secure permits, and align funding partners, including the Government of Québec, the Montréal Port Authority, Indigenous partners, and private sector stakeholders.
The federal government has committed approximately $1.16 billion in financing through the Canada Infrastructure Bank to support the project.
“The Contrecœur Container Terminal Project is about more than the expansion of a port – it is a signal that Canada is building again,” Carney said.
We’re breaking ground on the new terminal expansion at the Port of Montréal.
This will create thousands of good jobs, increase our trade, and build a stronger, more resilient Canadian economy. pic.twitter.com/rfzznYft8D
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) April 9, 2026
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The project is expected to support approximately 4,000 jobs annually during construction, with thousands more anticipated once the terminal becomes operational. It is also projected to generate roughly $750 million in annual economic benefits.
Once complete, the facility will add up to 1.15 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in annual container handling capacity, helping address growing demand at the Port of Montréal, which is nearing its current operational limits.
The port already supports approximately 590,000 jobs across Canada and contributes nearly $98.5 billion in economic activity annually.
Long-Delayed Project Moves Forward
Originally proposed nearly four decades ago, the Contrecœur terminal has faced repeated delays. Federal officials say the new coordinated approach through the MPO has enabled faster progress by streamlining regulatory processes and aligning funding commitments.
Phase 1 of the project includes dredging and quay wall construction, with work already underway since October 2025. Full operations are targeted for 2030, with Phase 2 expected to begin in 2027.
Strengthening Trade and Resilience
The expansion is part of a broader federal strategy to diversify trade partnerships and strengthen Canada’s economic resilience amid global uncertainty.
By increasing port capacity and improving logistics infrastructure, the government aims to ensure Canadian businesses can move goods more efficiently to international markets.
“By expanding capacity at the Port of Montréal, we are strengthening our supply chains and trading partnerships around the world,” said Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon.
Source: Prime Minister’s Office (pm.gc.ca)
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