The Ontario Marine Council (OMC) today announced the inaugural recipient of its “Ontario Marine Champion” Award, which recognizes outstanding leadership and commitment to advancing marine shipping in Ontario. Premier Doug Ford, is the first-ever recipient of the award, which recognizes his government’s unprecedented engagement with the marine shipping industry to create the first-ever Ontario Marine Transportation Strategy.
The Future of the Great Lakes Economy: Ontario’s Marine Transportation Strategy was officially launched by the Ontario Government one year ago to drive economic growth while also maintaining a steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability. Created from months of direct engagement with industry players, the strategy identifies, prioritizes, and plans for opportunities to enhance the province’s position as a destination, a gateway to North America’s industrial heartland, and a vital link in the global supply chain.
“Premier Doug Ford and the Government of Ontario have shown visionary leadership and unmatched engagement to unlock marine shipping’s potential to boost economic growth and achieve environmental goals,” said Steve Salmons, Chair of the Ontario Marine Council. “The Premier’s efforts in particular have played a critical role in positioning marine transportation as a key contributor to Ontario’s economy, while also ensuring that the Great Lakes are protected for future generations, and we are grateful for his continued work in this regard.”
The award was formally presented today at a special event in Toronto, where marine industry leaders and stakeholders gathered to celebrate. The “Ontario Marine Champion” Award will continue to be awarded annually to honor individuals who make significant contributions to the marine sector, with the goal of highlighting the importance of marine transportation in enabling the efficient movement of goods, reducing congestion on land-based transportation networks, and supporting Ontario’s economy by facilitating trade and creating jobs.
“As the lead industry association for stakeholders in Ontario’s marine sectors, it was important for the OMC to publicly recognize those who have the vision to see how our sector can positively affect jobs and opportunities in the province, and then follow through with meaningful action that realizes the potential,” said Maguessa Morel-Laforce, Executive Director of the Ontario Marine Council. “Premier Ford is truly deserving of the honour of being the first recipient of our award, and has set a high bar of achievement for future recipients to follow.”
Key Facts
- The marine sector in Ontario contributes $10 billion in
economic activity and $3.9 billion in annual income. - Ontario’s marine sector supports over 70,000 jobs, both on ship and on shore.
- Each year, the marine sector in Ontario handles approximately 61.3 million metric tons of cargo.
- The marine sector pays its fair share in taxes – helping to support the valuable programs the government of Ontario offers, through an industry contribution of approximately $1.9 billion in municipal, federal and provincial tax revenues.
(Photo of Premier Doug Ford)
