The Chamber of Shipping recently submitted its recommendations for British Columbia’s 2027 Budget Consultation, focusing on investments that will strengthen trade corridors, improve transportation infrastructure, and support economic growth. As the voice of international shipping on Canada’s West Coast, the Chamber emphasized the importance of safe, reliable, and efficient supply chains that connect Canadian trade to global markets. Key priorities include: Lions Gate Bridge Protection – Advance construction of a protective berm to safeguard critical infrastructure. Fraser River Crossing – Complete the Highway 99 project while minimizing impacts on marine transportation and trade. Northern Trade Corridors – Improve Road and rail infrastructure serving Prince Rupert and Stewart to support major project cargo movements. Read our full submission here.Read More
The Chamber of Shipping has submitted a response to Employment and Social Development Canada’s consultations that aims to strengthen labour relations and better support workers in federally regulated sectors, including air transportation, rail, road and marine transportation, banks, and postal and courier services. Our response sought clear timelines in the negotiation and longer notice periods for strikes and lockouts. Click here to read our full submission datedRead More
In response to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance (FINA) pre-budget consultations for the 2026 Federal Budget, the Chamber of Shipping submitted its priorities for government priorities and spending to improve Canada’s marine transportation system as it is a critical enabler of Canada’s international trade. With limitation of 2,000 words, the following broad recommendations were put forward: Establishing a national maritime authority with the necessary legislative authorities, technical expertise, and operational capacity to oversee coastal activities and lead Canada’s marine safety and security system. Developing a national service-delivery strategy to ensure that marine-related program can reliably support 24/7 operations, including vessels inspections, dispatch and clearance functions. Conducting a review of barriers to building capacity for increased shipping activity,...Read More
The Chamber of Shipping has responded to Transport Canada’s second discussion paper on potential regulations to increase access to marine emergency services and to improve response to pollution incidents. On behalf of our members we support the continued engagement and consultation on this import initiative, particularly in view of the imminent implementation of the International Maritime Organization’s 2010 Hazardous Noxious Substance Convention (HNS Convention). Canada was one of the first countries to ratify the HNS Convention in April 2018. Our recommendations to Transport Canada on the discussion paper include: adopting a risk-based and proportionate approach to HNS requirements, considering cargo type, volume and operational context; allowing integration of HNS plans with existing oil pollution response plans to reduce duplication; exploring...Read More
The Chamber of Shipping has responded to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance by providing a submission to the annual pre-budget consultations. The key recommendations put forward by the Chamber of Shipping include: Completing the Red Tape Review announced in July 2025 and establish an interdepartmental coordinating body to engage with industry stakeholders to identify opportunities that modernize and streamline interactions with the Government of Canada. Providing the Canadian Coast Guard with a clear safety and security mandate, supported by provisions in Bill C-2, the Stronger Border Act, that enables CCG to collect and share relevant data with other federal agencies, and establishes CCG as the lead agency for a maritime authority. Amending the Canada Marine Act to...Read More
The Chamber of Shipping was informed of the Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners’ intent to interpret and potentially apply RCW 88.16.180 to oil tankers over 5,000 gross tons navigating through Haro Strait and Boundary Pass on their way to or from Canadian ports. If adopted, this interpretation could require vessels under the guidance of the Pacific Pilotage Authority licensed pilots, to board a Puget Sound Pilot, leading to multiple pilot exchanges, extended transit times, and increased costs. In response, the Chamber of Shipping submitted a letter to the Board of Pilotage Commissioners expressing our concerns. Some of the key points we raised include: Ambiguity of “Adjacent Waters”: Haro Strait and Boundary Pass are not clearly defined as “adjacent” to...Read More
The Chamber of Shipping submitted a response to the Vancouver Fraser River Port Authority’s (VFPA) proposal to introduce wharfage on all empty containers effective May 1, 2025. The Chamber’s response opposed the application of a fee for moving empty containers and reminded the VFPA of the Minister of Transport’s Bill C-52, the Enhancing Transparency and Accountability in the Transportation Act, that recently died on the order table, but recognized the need for greater transparency on how ports set their fees and guiding principles for charging port fees. A level of transparency and accountability is fundamental to ensuring that fees are fair and reasonable while ensuring that port authorities remain competitive. The VFPA Executive will review the responses received and make...Read More
The Chamber submitted comments on Transport Canada’s initiative to enhance marine safety and pollution response, particularly for hazardous and noxious substances (HNS). We strongly emphasized the need for a robust regulatory framework aligned with international standards to avoid regulatory fragmentation. We advocated for risk-based, scalable, and flexible regulations that focus resources on high-risk vessels and areas. Drawing on global best practices, we highlighted the importance of harmonized, integrated incident response structures and the value of leveraging existing oil spill response frameworks, such as those used by the Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC), to include HNS capabilities. We also recommended the establishment of a shore-based Response Coordinator role, inspired by the US Qualified Individual model, to centralize decision-making, streamline incident...Read More
The Chamber strongly opposed a blanket ban on exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS) discharge in Canadian waters, presenting a comprehensive, science-based argument supported by operational logic. Our submission emphasized that there is no conclusive scientific evidence demonstrating significant environmental harm from EGCS discharge when operated according to International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines. We provided data from multiple peer-reviewed studies, which consistently show that EGCS wash water meets recognized international and national water quality standards, with negligible impact on marine ecosystems. We highlighted the potential unintended consequences of a blanket ban, including increased operational costs, supply chain inefficiencies, and higher overall greenhouse gas emissions due to reliance on low-sulphur fuels. Our submission also underscored the operational challenges associated with fuel switching,...Read More
