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—Strategic Review of Port Capacity

That the Government of Canada conduct a thorough strategic review and forecast of large port capacity in the medium and long-term to help better inform future infrastructure needs.

Recommendation 2—Ensuring an Effective Regulatory Environment

That the Government of Canada reduce red tape and regulatory burdens as much as possible to ensure a more timely, predictable review process for large port infrastructure and expansion projects, while still maintaining its duty to properly consult stakeholders and consider the effects of projects from the perspective of safety, environmental protection and community impacts, including towards Indigenous communities.

Recommendation 3—Improved Environmental Performance

That the Government of Canada require ports to play their part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and carbon pollution, for instance by setting binding emission reduction targets and reporting regularly on their progress in meeting these targets, commensurate with national and international commitments.

Recommendation 4—Borrowing Limits

That the Government of Canada consider raising the borrowing limits set out in the letters patent of Canada Port Authorities and simplifying the process for changing these limits; while protecting Canadian taxpayers from excessive risk.

Recommendation 5—Review Process

That the Government of Canada develop strategies to address inconsistencies and wait times related to the review process for National Trade Corridors Fund applications, with the goal of improved timeline predictability.

Recommendation 6—Representation of Port Authority Boards of Directors

That the Government of Canada include labour representation on the board of directors of Canadian Marine Ports, the nominees to be selected based on consultation between the Minister and labour organizations.

Recommendation 7—Improved Relationships with Communities

That the Government of Canada take measures to ensure that Canadian marine ports do a better job of managing their relationships with surrounding communities, Indigenous communities, labour organizations and intermodal partners.

Recommendation 8—Port Cooperation

That the Government of Canada explore options to facilitate increased cooperation between port authorities, including collaborative planning, infrastructure investment and procurement.

Recommendation 9—Authorized Activities

That the Government of Canada, in consultation with port authorities and affected stakeholders, consider simplifying the process for changing the activities authorized through letters patent in order to provide more flexibility in addressing the specific needs of each port.

Recommendation 10—Facilitating Data Collection and Sharing

That the Government of Canada help facilitate greater data sharing between ports and other supply chain stakeholders to support the fluidity of our international gateways.

Recommendation 11—Supply Chain Recommendation Implementation

That the Government of Canada implement recommendations 19 and 25 through 32 of the 7th Report of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, entitled Improving Efficiency and Resiliency in Canada’s Supply Chains, which are related to ports.

Recommendation 12—Reducing Bureaucratic Hurdles at the St-Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation

That the Government of Canada take steps to reduce bureaucratic obstacles at the St-Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation that impede the full development of St. Lawrence Seaway assets as an intermodal trade corridor of strategic importance from a national perspective.