MONTREAL, Que. — Consultations on the requirements for the new bridge over the St. Lawrence have formally begun. The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, met with economic and business leaders in the Montreal region to hear their views on Monday.

The Minister says he held “productive” discussions the group of industry representatives, listening to their views on the use of tolls and consulted with them about the business community’s current and future needs from this crossing.

“Discussions with key stakeholders are essential to the planning process for the new bridge over the St. Lawrence,” said Minister Lebel. “The views of private-sector representatives help ensure this major corridor will serve all businesses – small, medium and large. Our government remains focused on long-term economic growth and job creation, and the smooth flow of goods and people over the St. Lawrence River is a vital part of the economy of the region and the country as a whole.”

Officials say preliminary work on the new bridge over the St. Lawrence is progressing. Over the coming months, the federal government will continue to meet with key partners, including provincial and municipal representatives.

On Oct. 5, Minister Lebel announced that the Government of Canada will proceed with a new crossing to replace the existing Champlain Bridge. The six-lane Champlain Bridge is the busiest vehicular bridge in Canada. An estimated 11 million public transit commuters, 60 million vehicles and $20 billion in international trade cross it annually.