Support Letter Ontario Marine Council

Subject: Letter of Support for the Montreal Port Authority's Container Terminal

Project in Contrecoeur

To Whom It May Concern,

It is with conviction that we write today to express our unequivocal support for the

construction of a container terminal in Contrecoeur by the Montreal Port Authority

(MPA). This infrastructure project is of paramount importance not only for Quebec but

for the entire Canadian economy.

We support this project for the following reasons:

1. 2. 3. 4. A Strategic Project for Canada's Economic Sovereignty. The development of

the Contrecoeur terminal is an essential project for achieving our collective goals

of market diversification. In a constantly changing global context, it is imperative

that Canada strengthens its supply chains and its commercial autonomy. By

increasing its port capacity on the East Coast, the country gains a powerful tool

to consolidate ties with current partners and develop new ones, thereby

reinforcing its economic sovereignty.

The Primary Gateway to International Markets. The Port of Montreal is already

a strategic gateway. The expansion in Contrecoeur will solidify this position as

Eastern Canada's gateway to European and Asian markets. This direct and

efficient link is essential to allow our businesses to export their products

competitively and reliably to world markets.

A Mature Project Led by a Responsible Organization. The MPA has

repeatedly demonstrated its ability to manage large-scale projects while

respecting the highest standards. The Contrecoeur project is the result of

rigorous planning and will be carried out with the utmost respect for the

environment. We have full confidence in the MPA's commitment to implementing

exemplary mitigation measures and ensuring a harmonious co-existence with the

surrounding ecosystems and communities.

Benefits for the Entire Canadian Economy. Although located in Quebec, the

Contrecoeur terminal is a project of national scope. It will streamline the country's

entire logistics chain, from production to export, and will benefit Canadian

businesses from coast to coast. By improving the efficiency of freight

transportation, this project will strengthen the competitiveness of our economy as

a whole.For all these reasons, we consider the Contrecoeur terminal project to be essential,

relevant, and ready to be realized. We ask you to consider our formal support and we

urge you to approve this pivotal project for Canada's economic future.

Sincerely,

Maguessa Morel-Laforce

Executive Director, Ontario Marine Council