The BC Marine Terminal Operators Association (BCMTOA) welcomes the Government of Canada’s recent introduction of Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act. This important legislation was brought forward by Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu, and Dominic LeBlanc, Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy.
“Bill C-39 addresses much of the input provided by BCMTOA into federal consultation processes,” said Alicia Peters, President, BC Marine Terminal Operators Association. “As such, our organization strongly supports the Bill’s ambition to strengthen Canada’s supply-chain resilience, modernize port governance, improve the conditions for labour stability and enhance the competitiveness of Canada’s ports. The Bill represents the culmination of extensive consultations across Canada’s transportation industry on these critical issues.”
Marine terminals across British Columbia play a critical role in Canada’s economy. West Coast ports move roughly $1.1 billion in goods every day, support over 152,000 jobs, generate $13 billion in wages across the country, and contribute nearly $25 billion to national GDP.
Through the establishment of strategic Trade Corridors and the National Trade Corridors Council, Bill C-39 takes a holistic approach to Canada’s supply chain that reinforces the belief that sustainable trade relies on a seamless connection between rail, road, marine, and terminal infrastructure. BCMTOA supports the spirit of this system-wide focus and looks forward to working with the federal government to ensure the bill, once passed, enhances resilience, reduces friction, and protects Canada’s competitiveness as a trading nation.
To fully realize the goals of Bill C-39, including its proposed one-year consolidated permitting timeline, BCMTOA emphasizes the importance of practical implementation, adequate government capacity and continued federal investment in trade-enabling infrastructure.
“As regulatory frameworks are developed stemming from Bill C-39, it will be essential that these new measures are clearly defined, remain practical for terminal operators, and are supported by adequate federal resourcing,” added Ms. Peters. “BCMTOA will be following the legislative process closely to ensure the framework’s intent is fully realized without compromising operational efficiency.”
BCMTOA looks forward to fully participating in Parliament’s review of Bill C-39, including its study at Committee, to ensure the spirit of the bill is carried throughout this process towards eventually receiving Royal Assent.
About the BC Marine Terminal Operators Association
Established in 1963, the B.C. Marine Terminal Operators Association works to advance the economic and environmental viability of British Columbia’s marine terminals and to promote the value of the port industry to local communities, the province, and Canada. BCMTOA represents the majority of direct employers operating marine terminals on B.C.’s West Coast.
Media contact:
Alicia Peters
President
BC Marine Terminal Operators Association
604-809-3587 | info@bcmarineterminals.com
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