Canada’s deputy prime minister made a visit to Port Saint John on Wednesday afternoon.

Chrystia Freeland’s trip comes after several recent funding announcements at the port, which will help increase cargo storage space at the west side terminal, enhance crane capacity, and add roll-on/roll-off capabilities.

When asked about ongoing supply chain issues and grain supply concerns, Freeland said these investments have come at the right time.

“I think Port Saint John is playing a role in unsnarling the world’s supply chains, and playing a really important role of not only for Saint John, not only for Atlantic Canada, but our whole country, and this work that I am going to continue to follow with very close interest,” said Freeland.

The deputy prime minister was also asked about the potential for a liquified natural gas (LNG) export facility in the city.

“I am very familiar with that project and familiar with some of the east coast LNG projects that are being discussed, and I have talked about them at the G7 finance ministers meeting, and directly with my German counterparts,” she said.

Freeland said she believes it is a political responsibility for Canada to support its allies with energy security.

“This is a very tough moment for many European countries right now as they shift from their dependence on Russian oil and gas, and I think it’s really important for Canada to step up, and say, ‘we’re going to help you, we’re going to help replace that energy,’ so yes, I think there is a role for the federal government working with provincial governments, the private sector, European allies to make this happen.”

However, Freeland added that now is not the time to pick specific projects.

The deputy prime minister will be meeting with some energy leaders during her trip to Atlantic Canada.