Canada’s Economic Action Plan - Prime Minister Stephen Harper opens London Airport’s Cargo Terminal

September 02, 2010

LONDON, ONTARIO – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today officially opened the new cargo terminal at London International Airport, which will create new jobs and provide lasting infrastructure for the region’s long-term growth. 
 
“This new cargo terminal will help the City become a leading transportation hub, and will be critical to London’s future as a major North American and international gateway,” Prime Minister Harper said.  “This project is a perfect example of how a well-timed investment can create construction jobs in the short-term while providing lasting infrastructure for longer-term prosperity and growth.” 
 
The Foreign Trade Cargo Complex will create more than 150 permanent jobs for London in freight handling, packing, logistics, customs activities and trucking.  The new cargo terminal will also help regional businesses in London and the area by providing greater opportunity to access and compete in international markets.  The project was built on time and under budget. 
 
“Even though Canada has done far better than other advanced countries during this economic recession, nothing can be taken for granted,” Prime Minister Harper added.  “That is why our Government will continue to focus on the economy and job creation, and continue implementing Canada’s Economic Action Plan.” 
 
The Government of Canada supported the construction of the Foreign Trade Cargo Complex through FedDev Ontario, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.  FedDev Ontario was funded as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan to support economic and community development, innovation, and to diversify the Southern Ontario economy.  FedDev Ontario helps workers, communities and businesses in Southern Ontario position themselves to take advantage of economic opportunities as growth recovers in Canada and around the world.
 

 
Backgrounder

CANADA’S ECONOMIC ACTION PLAN
lONDON AIRPORT cargo terminal


Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, the Harper Government is helping the London International Airport become an international trade centre, increasing transportation activity, enhancing the competitiveness of regional businesses and creating long-term jobs. 
 
The Government announced $8 million in Budget 2009 for the construction of the new international freight and cargo terminal at the London International Airport, including land development, taxiway expansion and building construction. 
 
The Foreign Trade Cargo Complex, which opened today, will generate nearly 100 new jobs in freight handling, packaging and handling logistics, with an additional 50 jobs to support customs activities and trucking.  The airport already provides 1,700 direct jobs and over $350 million annually to the local economy, and is the largest and most successful airport in Southwestern Ontario, with 50 businesses operating onsite.  Each additional cargo aircraft flight to London would add an additional 12 per cent in job growth.
 
Establishing the new cargo terminal is the first phase of the Economic Gateway Project, a plan developed by the City of London and the London International Airport.  The Economic Gateway Project will integrate services of the airport and surrounding industrial areas, air links and trucking facilities to attract, bundle and channel the international movement of cargo to and from points in North America and the world.
 
The new full-service cargo facility will handle more than 300,000 tonnes of cargo each year, provide sustainable jobs, stimulate regional economic development through increased traffic and trade opportunities, and provide low-cost international shipments for local manufacturers.
 
In December 2008, the London International Airport was designated as a Federal Trans-shipment Centre for International cargo.  The new terminal will help the London area emerge as a major international trade corridor.