Vancouver, Halifax, and Montreal designated first Canada Port Authorities

OTTAWA (Feb. 25) — Transport Minister David Collenette announced the establishment of the first Canada Port Authorities (CPAs) at the ports of Vancouver, Montreal and Halifax, under the Canada Marine Act. The decision is effective March 1.

“These new Canada Port Authorities will benefit from greater management flexibility, including increased freedom to develop contracts and leases, set tariffs and fees, and borrow money from commercial lenders,’ said Collenette. “With greater autonomy, these three ports will now be able to move more quickly on development projects.”

The Canada Marine Act — which received Royal Assent June 11, 1998 — provides the legislative framework to improve the effectiveness of Canada’s major ports by creating a National Ports System (NPS), comprised to independently managed CPAs; streamlining the regulatory regime for the new CPAs and other ports currently administered by Transport Canada; and dissolving the Canada Ports Corp., thereby significantly reducing overhead costs for major ports.

“The new legislation marks the first comprehensive effort to increase competitiveness and reduce costs in the marine sector,” said Collenette. He hoped the ports would find it easier to operate according to business principles.

CPAs will be established for the remaining 15 ports and harbour commissions that will form the NPS as they complete the letters patent process, leading to the full implementation of the Act. In the meantime, the Canada Ports Corp. will continue to oversee the operations of four local port corporations at St. John’s, Saint John, Quebec, and Prince Rupert, and to directly administer six divisional ports.