TROIS-RIVIÈRES, QC, Feb. 25, 2025 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the use of official languages in Canada and to ensuring that Canadians have access to information in the language of their choice.

Today, Public Services and Procurement Canada's Translation Bureau and the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) announced a new partnership to create a specialized graduate diploma (DESS) in conference interpretation. This new two-year program, offered entirely online, will be launched in the fall of 2025.

The Translation Bureau is actively seeking solutions to the shortage of conference interpreters in Canada. This partnership aims to increase the number of interpreters to meet the needs of Parliament and the departments and agencies of the Government of Canada.

The Translation Bureau and UQTR will work closely together to train students and guide them towards interesting job opportunities. Notably, the Translation Bureau will provide teaching support, workplace learning opportunities, and admission to its accreditation exam.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is proud to partner with the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières to launch this new interpretation program. This initiative not only addresses the shortage of interpreters in our country but also reinforces our commitment to supporting bilingualism and ensuring that all Canadians can access information in the official language of their choice. By investing in interpreter training, we enable the Translation Bureau to continue providing high-quality services to Parliament, the Government of Canada and all Canadians."

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant

"The translation needs are significant and have been communicated to us by entities such as the Translation Bureau of Canada and the Parliament of Canada. The needs are so great that an institution like Parliament could see its operations disrupted due to a lack of staff. As is customary for the UQTR, we are stepping up to make a difference. I am proud of our teams who have put in tremendous effort to create this specialized graduate diploma."

Christian Blanchette Rector, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières

"The DESS in conference interpretation aims to meet market needs, both in Quebec and Canada. The target audience includes future qualified conference interpreters. Among them are graduates in translation or individuals from other professional fields who wish to make it a career."

Éric Poirier Director of Undergraduate Translation Programs at the Department of Modern Languages and Translation at UQTR

Government of Canada investing in improvements to the Port of Trois-Rivières

News release

February 24, 2025 Trois-Rivières, Québec Transport Canada

An efficient and reliable transportation system is essential to making life cost less for Canadians. That’s why the Government of Canada is investing in strategic infrastructure projects to strengthen supply chains and ensure Canadian consumers have access to the affordable goods they need, when they need them.

Today, on behalf of the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, the Honourable Anita Anand, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, announced an investment of up to $87.1 million to the Port of Trois-Rivières, under the National Trade Corridors Fund. The project consists of the construction of the new Pier 16 and the reconstruction of Pier 17. Grain and cereal transportation activities will be relocated to Pier 16, while Pier 17 will be dedicated exclusively for unloading aluminum, calcined coke, and alumina.

These enhancements will improve the flow of cargo traffic, reduce port congestion, and boost overall efficiency at the Port. The Port will be better equipped to support and grow the economy in Trois-Rivières and Quebec.

Quotes

“Consumers, workers, and small businesses benefit from efficient and reliable supply chains. By improving the efficiency of cargo movement at the Port of Trois-Rivières, we are supporting the growth of our economy and ensuring that Canada’s trade routes remain competitive on the global stage. This will make life cost less for Canadians and Quebecers.”

The Honourable Anita Anand Minister of Transport and Internal Trade

“This investment in the Port of Trois-Rivières is crucial for enhancing the reliability of our transportation system. By modernizing our infrastructure, we are not only improving the movement of goods but also supporting Canadian families by ensuring they have access to affordable products when they need them. This project exemplifies our commitment to strengthening supply chains and promoting economic growth for all Canadians.”

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“The Port of Trois-Rivières is a key player in major industrial sectors such as aluminum and agri-food. The project to modernize Piers 16 and 17 will make a significant contribution to the resilience of the Canadian supply chain for these primary sectors of activity, which are essential to our society and its economy. The Government of Canada's contribution will also help optimize the Port's traffic flow and integrate new technologies to build the Port of tomorrow, today.”

Gaétan Boivin, President and Chief Executive Officer Port of Trois-Rivières

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Contacts

Laura Scaffidi Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Anita Anand Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, Ottawalaura.scaffidi@tc.gc.ca

Media relationsTransport Canada, Ottawa 613-993-0055media@tc.gc.ca

Quebec’s smaller industrial hubs are among the most exposed in Canada to potential U.S. trade disruptions, a new report by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce finds.

The report evaluates 41 Canadian cities based on their exposure to U.S. trade risks, and ranks Saguenay seventh overall in vulnerability, followed by Trois-Rivières in ninth, and Drummondville in 12th. By comparison, Montreal, with its more diversified economy, ranked 23rd, while Quebec City was further down at 26th.

The findings come amid mounting uncertainty over U.S. trade policy, including the potential for sweeping tariffs on Canadian exports. While the initially proposed 25-per-cent levy on all Canadian goods has been delayed until at least March, U.S. President Donald Trump has already announced new 25-per-cent tariffs on steel and aluminum, set to take effect on March 12, posing fresh risks for Quebec’s manufacturing sector.

Using 2021 GDP data and 2023 trade figures, the report paints a stark picture of economic exposure for cities deeply integrated with the U.S.

Saint John, N.B., ranked as the most vulnerable city nationally, followed by Calgary and Windsor. Saint John’s position is largely because of its Irving Oil refinery, which processes more than 320,000 barrels daily.

In Quebec, Saguenay faces one of the highest levels of trade vulnerability, with nearly 27 per cent of its economy tied to exports and about 92 per cent of which go to the U.S.

“Saguenay ranks so high on the list because nearly all of its exports go to the U.S.,” said Stephen Tapp, chief economist at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “That level of dependency makes it especially vulnerable.”

The report also highlights Saguenay is responsible for roughly one-third of Canada’s aluminum production, with around 85 per cent of this exported to U.S., making it particularly vulnerable to the tariffs on aluminum.

Trois-Rivières faces similar risks, given its strategic port, which plays a key role in aluminum shipments between Montreal and Quebec City. The city’s exports to the U.S. make up about 90 per cent of its total exports.

Meanwhile, Drummondville ranks just outside the top 10 in 12th, sending 84 per cent of its total exports south of the border.

Montreal, despite its high trade volume with the U.S., is better positioned to weather potential economic shocks thanks to a more diversified economy.

According to the report, the city exports about $44 billion worth of goods to the U.S., or roughly $9,907 per person.

While 77 per cent of its exports head south, they account for 12.7 per cent of Montreal’s total economy, which is less than in smaller industrial centres like Saguenay or Drummondville, and below the Canadian average of 18 per cent.

“Montreal’s economy is diversified, with strong sectors in technology, AI, and services that aren’t as affected by tariffs,” Tapp explained. “But its sheer volume of exports means it would still feel the impact. If tariffs were imposed across the board, Montreal would be hit hard. But unlike cities like Saguenay, it has a broader economic base to help absorb the shock.”

Still, the potential ripple effects remain. More than 5,400 Montreal-based companies export to the U.S., suggesting while the city’s overall economy is relatively insulated, the number of businesses affected could still be significant.

The Gazette has learned the city of Montreal is already taking steps to reduce its exposure. On Monday, officials said they had identified 54 U.S. companies with municipal contracts and are now seeking alternatives among local and international suppliers.

For his part, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has vowed to push back against U.S. trade barriers, calling the steel and aluminum tariffs “unacceptable.”

Tapp said regardless of whether the proposed tariffs go into effect, the uncertainty alone will already take a toll on cities more exposed to tariff actions as companies rethink their operations.

Businesses that rely on stable, low-tariff access to the U.S. market are reassessing their long-term strategies, Tapp explained.

This story was originally published February 11, 2025, 5:22 PM.