HOPA Ports welcomes the Building Canada Strong Act (Bill C-39). We are aligned with the Government of Canada’s ambition to get major projects built, strengthen our trade infrastructure and create a more competitive Canadian economy.
HOPA is advancing major infrastructure projects across our port network. We see real value in a more coordinated and predictable approach to federal approvals, and we agree that transportation infrastructure needs to be planned and developed as part of an integrated system.
The Building Canada Strong Act is closely aligned with our day-to-day efforts to build prosperous working waterfronts in Ontario communities. Canada has major projects that need to move forward, and the transportation infrastructure that supports them is just as important. Across the Great Lakes, ports and trade corridors connect many of the industries central to Canada’s economic growth, including critical minerals, agriculture and food, nuclear energy, forest products, steel and advanced manufacturing. Strengthening this infrastructure helps those industries grow, reach new markets and attract new investment.
The Great Lakes are a critical economic corridor for Canada, and we have an opportunity to make that corridor work more effectively as an integrated system. That also means protecting Canada’s reputation as a stable and reliable place to do business. More predictable infrastructure approvals, stronger trade corridors and measures aimed at reducing the uncertainty and economic disruption associated with transportation interruptions can give Canadian businesses and their customers greater confidence in our supply chains.
Just as importantly, the Act gives port authorities greater flexibility to build projects with others, opening the door to new partnerships with Indigenous communities, municipalities, other port authorities and the private sector, including opportunities for partners to have an equity stake in projects.
One project HOPA is working on is the development of a new port in Sault Ste. Marie. The proposed legislation offers tools that can help move this project forward more efficiently, while creating new opportunities for partnership, investment and jobs.
Canada’s ability to compete depends both on building the infrastructure we need and on ensuring that businesses can depend on the transportation system that connects them to customers and markets. HOPA looks forward to working with the Government of Canada and our partners to use these new tools to advance infrastructure, strengthen the Great Lakes corridor and create new opportunities for investment and trade.
