Minister Garneau launched roundtable series for Ports Modernization Review
News release
May 9, 2018 Ottawa, Ontario Transport Canada
Canada’s ports play a significant role in the lives of Canadians. They link our companies to global markets, support competitiveness, and contribute to the economic activity of our communities. Even for Canadians living inland, many of the jobs that support middle-class families, and the products they use every day, depend on Canada’s ports and waterways.
On May 8, 2018, the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, chaired a first roundtable in Ottawa with Canada Port Authorities to discuss the port authority system and what Transport Canada can do to ensure this country is well positioned to innovate and compete for years to come.
In the coming weeks, Transport Canada will host a series of roundtables and meetings with Indigenous peoples, provincial governments, municipalities, broader domestic and international marine stakeholders, and Canadians. The roundtables are the next step in a review of Canada Port Authorities that was announced in March, The review will optimize their role in the transportation system as strategic assets that support inclusive and sustainable growth and trade.
The current port system has served Canada well in supporting regional economic development and international commerce. However, a lot has changed since Canada Port Authorities were established 20 years ago. This change is expected to continue at an ever increasing pace.
Transport Canada wants to hear what Canadians and marine stakeholders have to say about how our ports can turn current and future challenges into opportunities. The public is invited to provide input on the review. Information is available on the letstalktransportation.ca/ports-modernization-review website.
The findings of the review are expected in 2019 and will identify potential policy, legislative and regulatory changes to help Canada Port Authorities remain a critical part of the Canadian economy.
Quotes
“Ports are a critical part of Canada’s transportation network and trade corridors. They need to remain innovative and competitive in today’s dynamic environment. Collaboration with marine stakeholders and Canadians will help shape the future of Canada’s port system, so that it continues to support sustainable and inclusive growth.”
The Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport
Quick facts
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The 18 Canada Port Authorities were created in 1998 to operate on a commercial basis at arm’s-length from the federal government.
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Canada Port Authorities handled about 60 per cent of Canada’s commercial cargo volume in 2017.
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In November 2016, the Government of Canada announced the 1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan, the largest investment ever made to protect Canada’s coasts and waterways. This national strategy is creating a world-leading marine safety system that provides economic opportunities for Canadians today, while protecting our coastlines and clean water for generations to come.
Associated links
Contacts
Delphine Denis
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport, Ottawa
613-991-0700
delphine.denis@tc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
media@tc.gc.ca
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