STEWART, BC: August 03, 2019. The Canadian government is to invest Can$131 million in Stewart World Port, Canada's most northerly ice-free port serving the breakbulk, project cargo, forest products and bulk sectors with paved access to British Columbia, Alberta and Yukon.

The project consists of installing bulk loading conveyor systems and power and control facilities at the port in order to increase the handling capacity of bulk wood, mineral and agricultural products from Northern British Columbia, Yukon, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

When finished, the upgraded bulk facility is expected to save shippers time and costs by moving goods directly from these regions to overseas markets via the port instead of trucking or shipping by rail to other western ports in North America.

From 2015 to 2018 Canada’s trade with Asia grew by 18.9 percent to Can$199.2 billion and 19 percent with the European Union during the same period to reach Can$118.1 billion.

Canada minister of Transport Marc Garneau commented: "Our government is investing in Canada's economy by making improvements to our trade and transportation corridors. We are supporting projects to efficiently move goods to market and people to their destinations, stimulate economic growth, create quality middle-class jobs, and ensure that Canada's transportation networks remain competitive and efficient."

The country plans to invest more than Can$180 billion over the next 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes and Canada's rural and northern communities.

Founded in 2012, Stewart World Port is a multipurpose port located at the end of the Portland Canal, a 114.6 kilometres natural fjord extending from the Portland Inlet at Pearse Island, British Columbia to Stewart, British Columbia and Hyder, Alaska.