PM, Quebec premier announce 'critical' Montreal-area highway development

"As prime minister of Canada I am very proud and welcome this latest example of the fruitful collaboration between our government and that of Quebec," Harper said in a speech.

"Since we formed the government of Canada, I have wanted to practice an open federalism, inspired by the spirit which gave birth to the Canadian confederation."

That includes respecting provincial jurisdictions and the sharing of responsibilities, he said.

"You know that open federalism is not a constitutional theory or an electoral slogan," the prime minister added. "It's a new approach that allows partners in the Canadian federation to work better together in the realization of projects."

Sunday's news followed other highway announcements in the last two days by Charest, who has election rumours swirling around his own government.

Quebec will be a major battleground for the federal Tories, who took 10 of the province's 75 seats in January's election. The majority of the rest went to the Bloc.

Harper said the completion of the highway would benefit "Quebecers for generations" as well as residents of Montreal where the Tories would like to win seats in the federal election whenever it is called.

Harper told a news conference that completing the highway will allow through traffic to bypass Montreal, reducing traffic congestion and air pollution.

Harper also says the road will provide greater access to markets in Ontario, the Maritimes and the United States.

Charest says the long-awaited project is one of the most important in terms of building "critical strategic infrastructure for the economy of Quebec."

He echoed Harper's praise of the co-operation between the levels of government.

"The announcement today speaks to the willingness of both governments to work together to better serve the interests of the population," he said.

The western section of Highway 30, which will be renamed Highway 530, will be designed, built, funded, operated and maintained by a private partner for the duration of a partnership agreement. It will stretch 35 kilometres in one section and seven kilometres in another.

The call for partners will be made by the Quebec government in the next few days.

But the development comes at an extra price for motorists, with tolls being planned for a section of the highway.

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