The Chamber of Marine Commerce (CMC) has welcomed a wide range of new investments by the Government of Canada through Budget 2023 that will leverage the unique strengths of a marine industry that is simultaneously the most carbon efficient and cost-effective mode of moving cargo. Specifically, the CMC welcomes investments to support the development of a Green Shipping Corridor and a Supply Chain Office – two items that were included in the 2023 Wish List published by the Chamber.
The investment of $165.4 million over the next seven years, starting in 2023-24, and delivered through Transport Canada to establish a Green Shipping Corridor Program, sets a foundation upon which the marine shipping industry can make even larger investments in Canadian research and development necessary to advance the use of alternative fuels and new technologies to further enhance marine shipping’s leadership as “the green mode” of transport.
The investment of $27.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, also delivered through Transport Canada to establish a Transportation Supply Chain Office, creates a new and unique opportunity for Canadian marine, which has available capacity and has been working hard to keep the bulk supply chain moving forward the last three years. Marine is also positioned to foster collaboration across government departments, and with other modes and shippers, to increase Canada’s broader logistics chain efficiency and reliability through a dedicated point of contact in a future office. CMC hopes to see fast progress on the establishment of this office and stands ready to help advance the necessary work.
Additionally, the CMC applauds investments that support Canada’s biofuels sector and assist with the marine industry’s workforce development ambitions. Access to biofuels will play a vital role in further enhancing the sustainability of our industry, through the establishment of clean energy hubs. Access to human resource talent remains key for a Canadian marine sector that will need to hire 19,000 seafarers for rewarding and well-paying careers to keep up with industry demand.
CMC looks forward to engaging with the government to understand the details of these initiatives, and to ensure funds and action plans are directed in such a manner that they produce maximum benefit for our economy, our planet, and for all Canadians.
“Investments made through Budget 2023 reflect the significance of the domestic marine shipping sector to achieving both environmental and economic goals, and our industry is more than ready to build on the foundation established by the Canadian Government with this funding,” said Bruce R. Burrows, President and CEO, Chamber of Marine Commerce.
(Photo by Ted Willish of Algoma Harvester arriving in Hamilton)
