To launch nation-building projects, Ottawa must maximize the full potential of the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes corridor, a coalition of stakeholders has urged.
The joint message participants are Saint Lawrence Ship Operators, the Chamber of Marine Commerce, Ontario Marine Council, the St. Lawrence Economic Development Council, Algoma Central Corporation, Canada Steamship Lines, Groupe Desgagnés and NEAS Group.
The St. Lawrence and Great Lakes corridor is one of North America’s most strategically important economic assets, providing $66.1 billion to the North American economy and helps support nearly 360,000 jobs. Despite this, we have not yet realized the true potential of this unique and strategic conduit for domestic and cross-border trade. As part of our shared ambition to build the strongest economy within the G7, the maritime industry calls on the Government of Canada to:
- Use its $5 billion Trade Diversification Fund to invest in the Seaway, the Canadian merchant fleet, and major ports to enable the marine industry to set specific dates for extending the navigation season.
- Ensure that the government funds adequate icebreaker support; and
- Support collaboration to ensure that the needs of all stakeholders in this growth initiative are taken into account, including the participation of maritime organizations and Indigenous partners, who have played a vital role in the success of the system.
The current global context reinforces this imperative. Shipping corridors, consisting of major international ports such as Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Hamburg, are investing heavily in decarbonization, automation, real-time operational data management, and digital platforms. They are preparing to face fiercer competition and increasing supply chain instability.
Canada cannot afford to rest on its laurels when we have the essential assets and capacity to grow today. We can capitalize on the natural and sustainable strategic advantage of the Great Lakes corridor and the St. Lawrence Seaway by extending the navigation season and, in doing so, foster new opportunities, including interprovincial trade, as envisioned by the federal government with the goal of increasing our country’s long-term economic strength.
Given Canada’s commitment to developing new partnerships and undertaking national projects to adapt quickly to changing economic circumstances, we have a unique opportunity to make the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes corridor a means of achieving our common goals and making this corridor one of the most efficient, resilient, and sustainable maritime systems in the world. It is up to all of us to act strategically and collaborate, and we are ready to join forces and act quickly. resilient, and sustainable maritime systems in the world. It is up to all of us to act strategically and collaborate, and we are ready to join forces and act quickly.
(SLSMC photo)