Over the last few weeks, many people have asked me: why the Port? Because everything led me there, my own story as much as the challenges of our time. My Iranian parents, dreaming of freedom, settled in Rivière-du-Loup. I grew up on the river that connects Quebec to the ends of the earth… where my parents came from. So there’s this personal link that brings me to the Port. And more than that, the world is changing.
In the disorganisation caused by the pandemic, we realised how fragile global supply chains are. This is one of the fascinating issues that led me to take a more direct interest in the Port and to become a member of its Board of Directors in 2020, and then Chairman in 2024. And just as I’m settling into my new role, trade issues are becoming central with the aggressive tariff policy of the United States.
Three priorities
I have set three priorities for my mandate, which will guide the actions of the entire Port of Quebec team over the coming months and years.
First, I want to strengthen the role of the Port of Québec as a strategic partner for the future of our supply chains. The Port of Québec is much more than just a port infrastructure. It is a key driver in the Quebec, Canadian and international supply chains and a key partner for the future of trade in the country. In the face of global competition, it is important to highlight the distinctive advantages of the Port of Québec, in particular its exceptional water depth, its strategic position on the St. Lawrence and its ability, thanks to its assets, to play a pivotal role in the diversification of our markets.
Secondly, to renew dialogue with the community and make the Port of Quebec a symbol of pride for our city. The tools are there (neighbourhood tables, the ‘I’m involved’ platform, the collaboration committee). Let’s make full use of them, innovate and exchange ideas. My aim is for the Port and the port community to establish a genuine partnership with citizens to understand their concerns and build a harmonious future. Quebec City is a city with many facets: historical, cultural, governmental, university… and port! The Port is one of the defining characteristics of our city. I want the community to be proud of its port, its economic role and its openness to the world. This renewed dialogue, this shared pride, will be at the heart of my action. Together, let’s make the Port of Québec a model of cohabitation, an engine of prosperity, a symbol of our pride.
Thirdly, to position the Port of Québec as a major economic lever for the prosperity of the Capitale-Nationale, for the benefit of its citizens and businesses. The Québec maritime industry generates $2 billion in spinoffs and 12,000 jobs across Canada, including 10,000 in Québec. We are in contact with thousands of suppliers in the greater Quebec City-Lévis region and in eastern Quebec. We want to build on this partnership to make an even greater contribution to the exceptional vitality of the Capitale-Nationale region. We will constantly strive to maximise the benefits of our activities for the region, while working more closely with the other ports in the St Lawrence Corridor. And we will be working with governments and industry to help find new trading partners.
A port at the service of its city
The Port of Quebec is an organisation at the service of its city, administering waterfront spaces that are made available to partners who, in compliance with strict rules, are authorised to handle products that are essential to our quality of life. The Port is self-financing, collecting various fees and charges that enable it to ensure compliance with the rules, limit the impact of its activities on the population, maintain its infrastructure and develop recreational areas and access to the river for residents.
The new political and international trade context that is taking shape before our very eyes will influence the future of the Port of Quebec and that of its partners. Through our port, I pledge to continue to proudly support our region in the face of the uncertainties of the future.
(Photo from Port of Quebec)