The Canadian Ministry of Transport announced a five-year extension to the agreement with the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, to manage, maintain and operate the Seaway. Canada recognizes that the Seaway is an important, competitive and sustainable transportation corridor that provides economic opportunities for the country.
This extends the existing agreement until 31 March 2023, and is expected to provide stability for the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation and the marine shipping industry.
Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, said: “The Government of Canada is committed to the safe, reliable and environmentally responsible movement of goods along the Seaway. We look forward to our continued collaboration with the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation to ensure this strategic transportation corridor remains competitive now and in the future.”
To ensure the Seaway continues to be positioned as a critical transportation corridor for North America, Transport Canada will conduct a review to examine further opportunities for increased economic and commercial development, the waterway’s competitiveness and sustainability, and the Seaway’s governance structure.
In the coming months, Canadians, provincial and municipal governments, indigenous communities, international partners, users and stakeholders will be invited to provide input on the future of the Seaway.
As a vital artery between the Great Lakes and the lower St. Lawrence River, the St. Lawrence Seaway connects the heartland of North America to the world. Within the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway System, more than 100 ports and commercial docks link to more than 40 provincial or interstate highways and to 30 railway lines.
Terence Bowles, President and CEO of The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, stated: “The Seaway’s modernization program, representing the greatest change to operations since the waterway’s inception in 1959, allows the Corporation to continue serving its many stakeholders and fulfilling its vision of providing a responsive and highly competitive transportation system which connects the heartland of North America to over 60 markets around the world.”
