In March 2023, the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (the Committee) undertook a study on large port infrastructure expansion projects in Canada. The Committee devoted two meetings to this study and visited the ports of Montreal, Halifax, St. John’s, Hamilton and Prince Rupert. Stakeholders met during the trip and others heard by the Committee spoke about the port infrastructure expansion and optimization projects that are planned or underway in Canada, and the challenges faced in implementing them.

Some asked the Government of Canada to expedite its impact assessment process for port infrastructure projects. Certain stakeholders also said that the borrowing limits set out in the letters patent of Canada Port Authorities are too restrictive and asked that the process for increasing them be expedited. Labour shortages in the marine sector and the impact of automation on the organization of work in ports were also discussed.

Some witnesses asked the Government of Canada to allow port authorities to engage in activities beyond what would currently be provided for in the Canada Marine Act and letters patent. These included investment in housing, participation in tourism and commercial activities, and greater collaboration between port authorities on various projects, including joint infrastructure projects. Lastly, some also recommended the implementation of a national supply chain strategy and greater data sharing among all stakeholders.