Canada's Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Lawrence Cannon has introduced proposed amendments to the Canada Marine Act which are aimed at strengthening the operating framework for Canada Port Authorities (CPAs) by modifying the current borrowing regime, providing for access to contribution funding, and “clarifying some aspects of governance”.
According to Transport Canada statement the amendments would also include provisions regarding amalgamation of CPAs and introduce new provisions to make the enforcement of minor violations easier to manage. It adds: “In addition, Minister Cannon will also be moving forward on a number of policy initiatives to modernize the National Marine Policy, streamline the process for borrowing limits and enhance flexibility in management of port lands.”
"In recent years, the global economy has shifted dramatically and the transportation system must adapt to take advantage of these changes. The Government must ensure that the competitive position of our national ports is maintained or enhanced in support of Canada's trade objectives," said Mr Cannon. "These amendments would promote financial flexibility for the marine transportation sector, consider the long-term role of ports in their communities, and foster partnerships with other levels of government."
The Canada Marine Act, which received Royal Assent in 1998, governs the marine sector in Canada and created a National Ports System composed of independently managed port authorities for ports that are vital to Canada's international and domestic trade. It also provides Canada's major ports with the necessary tools to operate commercially and efficiently.
According to Transport Canada statement the amendments would also include provisions regarding amalgamation of CPAs and introduce new provisions to make the enforcement of minor violations easier to manage. It adds: “In addition, Minister Cannon will also be moving forward on a number of policy initiatives to modernize the National Marine Policy, streamline the process for borrowing limits and enhance flexibility in management of port lands.”
"In recent years, the global economy has shifted dramatically and the transportation system must adapt to take advantage of these changes. The Government must ensure that the competitive position of our national ports is maintained or enhanced in support of Canada's trade objectives," said Mr Cannon. "These amendments would promote financial flexibility for the marine transportation sector, consider the long-term role of ports in their communities, and foster partnerships with other levels of government."
The Canada Marine Act, which received Royal Assent in 1998, governs the marine sector in Canada and created a National Ports System composed of independently managed port authorities for ports that are vital to Canada's international and domestic trade. It also provides Canada's major ports with the necessary tools to operate commercially and efficiently.