Digital supply chain projects in Quebec get federal boost

Two supply chain projects in Quebec are receiving funding under the National Trade Corridors Fund.

Over $2.6 million will go to a digital project and study intended to harness data and technological solutions to generate supply chain efficiencies along key Canadian trade corridors.

The Government of Canada will contribute up to $2.6 million to the Centre interuniversitaire de recherche en analyse des organisations (CIRANO) to implement a data science and knowledge transfer hub for trade and intermodal transportation in the St. Lawrence-Great Lakes Corridor.

As well, Montreal’s CargoM will get up to $50,000 to implement an automated tool to identify available indoor and outdoor storage spaces in the Greater Montreal area which will improve fluidity and reduce supply chain congestion in the Port of Montreal area.

Initially developed at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tool was designed to provide assistance to businesses in the transportation and logistics sector, given the considerable storage requirements at that time.

Following the pandemic, the supply chain has been through further disruption and storage issues have remained important and topical. In response to strong user interest in this tool, CargoM intends to upgrade it on ongoing basis, making it more user-friendly and accessible.

The tool allows indoor and outdoor storage space owners and space seekers from across the country to find a match. In September 2023, the tool had more than 50 entries for vacant space, totalling 18.7 million square feet, both indoor and outdoor.

“Strong supply chains are an important part of keeping the cost of life affordable to Canadians. Technological innovation will help make supply chains more efficient and more resilient. With these investments, we’re making sure crucial knowledge and information can be shared and acted on for the benefit of Canadian consumers, workers and businesses,” said Pablo Rodriguez, minister of transport.