As a result of their deliberations committees may make recommendations which they include in their reports for the consideration of the House of Commons or the Government. Recommendations related to this study are listed below.

Recommendation 1

That the Government of Canada both continue with and enhance its efforts designed to ensure adequate and well-maintained trade-related infrastructure in Canada. As well, the Government should consider whether additional or expanded trade corridors would be beneficial. These efforts should be informed by timely and ongoing consultations with relevant parties.

Recommendation 2

That the Government of Canada continue its collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, as well as with other relevant parties, with the goal of identifying and addressing both existing and expected future challenges relating to Canada’s supply chains.

Recommendation 3

That the Government of Canada take actions designed to increase the value of Canada’s international trade. These actions could include enhancing further the international competitiveness of Canadian firms, as well as ensuring that the country’s firms are adequately and appropriately supported in their efforts to export to foreign markets. In taking these and other trade-related actions, the Government should continue to prioritize sectors with high potential to expand their exports.

Recommendation 4

That the Government of Canada ease congestion at Canada’s major ports of entry, enable supply chain redundancy and reduce emissions from rail- and truck-based shipping by shortening land shipping distances through establishing a permanent Canada Border Services Agency presence at additional commercial ports of entry. In this regard, the Government should consider such a permanent presence at such smaller ports of entry as Hamilton-Oshawa, Picton, Port Alberni, Québec City and Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.

Recommendation 5

That the Government of Canada improve the performance of Canada’s ports by accelerating efforts to implement a fully digitized Maritime Single Window, which became mandatory on 1 January 2024 under the terms of the International Maritime Organization’s Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, to which Canada is a signatory.

Recommendation 6

That the Government of Canada establish new domestic supply chain routes and reduce the reliance on rail- and truck-based shipping through exploring options for short sea shipping.

Recommendation 7

That the Government of Canada recognize the right to freedom of association that is enshrined in the Constitution Act, 1982 and the right to engage in work stoppages that is legislated throughout Canada. Moreover, the Government should affirm the rights of employees and employers to engage in a strike or lockout, respectively, notwithstanding the impacts of labour disruptions on supply chains.

Recommendation 8

That the Government of Canada continue with, and enhance, its collaborative efforts with Canada’s trade partners designed to harmonize rules and technical standards that regulate parties involved in similar supply chains. In this regard, the Government should prioritize the agricultural and transportation sectors.