An air cargo logistics park will be constructed at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, at a cost of C$23 million.

The project involves developing new cargo facilities at the airport and new buildings for cargo handling.

The logistics park will have easy access to the regional highway system, Burnside Business Park in Halifax and cargo facilities throughout the Atlantic Region.

Of the total investment, C$18 million will come from the government of Canada and C$5 million from the government of Nova Scotia.

It will increase exports of goods from Atlantic Canada by improving efficiency and reducing bottlenecks in the air cargo logistics chain, enhance cargo capacity with a focus on exporting fresh Nova Scotia seafood to markets in China and the European Union.

The project is expected to bring significant economic and employment benefits by creating an estimated 643 jobs during construction, as well as more than 3,000 jobs in the first year of operation.

Canada’s minister of transport, Marc Garneau says: “Our government is investing in Canada’s economy by improving our trade and transportation corridors and with trade diversification. By creating new opportunities for Canadian investors, exporters and, especially, our small and medium-sized businesses, the government of Canada is helping them access new customers, clients and the well-paying jobs that flow from these opportunities.”

Member of parliament for Central Nova, Sean Fraser adds: “I am very pleased that this important project is going ahead. The new air cargo logistics park at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport will not only help to create new jobs during the construction phase, but also result in significant number of longer-term positions to sustain its operations. This investment will help our community to prosper.”