Federal government marks groundbreaking for major cargo expansion at Edmonton airport

The federal government says a major cargo expansion project at Edmonton International Airport will help strengthen Canada’s supply chains and improve trade capacity across domestic and international markets.

Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon joined airport officials and project partners Wednesday for the official groundbreaking of the airport’s new International Cargo Hub. The project is being supported through the federal National Trade Corridors Fund.

According to Transport Canada, the expansion will increase airfield infrastructure, reduce cargo bottlenecks, and improve the movement of goods between Canada, the United States, and international markets.

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Project expected to create jobs and boost trade

The federal government says the project is expected to create approximately 800 construction jobs and 250 airport-related jobs.

MacKinnon said the investment is aimed at building stronger and more resilient supply chains while supporting Canadian businesses and exporters.

“With today’s groundbreaking at the Edmonton International Airport, we are increasing trade capacity by connecting Alberta’s goods to customers across Canada and around the world,” MacKinnon said in a release.

Prairies Economic Development Canada Minister Eleanor Olszewski said the project will help diversify supply chains and create new opportunities for businesses across Western Canada.

“Our government is focused on what we can control: building strength at home and diversifying our relationships abroad,” Olszewski said.

Airport positioned as growing logistics hub

Edmonton International Airport president and CEO Myron Keehn described the project as a long-term investment in Canada’s trade and logistics infrastructure.

“The International Cargo Hub is a generational investment in Canada’s trade and logistics future,” Keehn said. “It positions the Edmonton International Airport as a critical gateway for global commerce.”

The airport says the project will also help support defence and security operations throughout western and northern Canada.

The National Trade Corridors Fund is a federal infrastructure program designed to improve the movement of goods and strengthen Canada’s transportation network. Since its launch, the program has committed $4.1 billion toward transportation infrastructure projects across the country.