The Chamber of Marine Commerce (CMC) is pleased to see a wide range of new investments by the Government of Canada through Budget 2023 that will leverage the unique strengths of a marine industry that is simultaneously the most carbon efficient and cost-effective mode of moving cargo. Specifically, the CMC welcomes investments to support the development of a Green Shipping Corridor and a Supply Chain Office – two asks that were included in the 2023 Wish List published by the Chamber.
The investment of $165.4 million over the next seven years, starting in 2023-24, and delivered through Transport Canada to establish a Green Shipping Corridor Program, sets a foundation upon which the marine shipping industry can make even larger investments in Canadian research and development necessary to advance the use of alternative fuels and new technologies to further enhance marine shipping’s leadership as “the green mode” of transport.
The investment of $27.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, also delivered through Transport Canada to establish a Transportation Supply Chain Office, creates a new and unique opportunity for Canadian marine, which has available capacity and has been working hard to keep the bulk supply chain moving forward the last three years. Marine is also positioned to foster collaboration across government departments, and with other modes and shippers, to increase Canada’s broader logistics chain efficiency and reliability through a dedicated point of contact in a future office. CMC hopes to see fast progress on the establishment of this office and stands ready to help advance the necessary work.
Additionally, the CMC applauds investments that support Canada’s biofuels sector and assist with the marine industry’s workforce development ambitions. Access to biofuels will play a vital role in further enhancing the sustainability of our industry, through the establishment of clean energy hubs. Access to human resource talent remains key for a Canadian marine sector that will need to hire 19,000 seafarers for rewarding and well-paying careers to keep up with industry demand.
CMC looks forward to engaging with the government to understand the details of these initiatives, and to ensure funds and action plans are directed in such a manner that they produce maximum benefit for our economy, our planet, and for all Canadians.
Quotes
“Investments made through Budget 2023 reflect the significance of the domestic marine shipping sector to achieving both environmental and economic goals, and our industry is more than ready to build on the foundation established by the Canadian Government with this funding.”
– Bruce R. Burrows, President and CEO, Chamber of Marine Commerce
Key Facts
While the transportation industry comprises approximately 30 per cent of Canada’s GHG emissions, it is road, rail and air transport that make up the bulk. Marine accounts for only two per cent, and domestic ships only 0.59 per cent, making it possible to reduce carbon emissions just by emphasizing marine within multimodal transportation policies.
The pursuit of a green corridor envisions the creation of a regulatory and investment environment that supports the adoption of alternative fuels and green technologies for ships, ports and other industries.
Marine shipping contributes approximately $60 billion in economic activity in the bi-national Great Lakes – St. Lawrence River region, supports more than 320,000 jobs, and ensures strong supply chains for businesses and consumers.
Flickr – Download photos of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence shipping industry
About the Chamber of Marine Commerce
The Chamber of Marine Commerce is a bi-national association that represents more than 100 marine industry stakeholders including major Canadian and American shippers, ports, terminals and marine service providers, as well as domestic and international ship owners. The Chamber advocates for safe, sustainable, harmonized and competitive policy and regulation that recognizes the marine transportation system’s significant advantages in the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence, Coastal and Arctic regions.
Media Contact:
Jason Card
Chamber of Marine Commerce
jcard@cmc-ccm.com
(613) 447 5401
The Chamber of Marine Commerce (CMC) is a bi-national association that represents diverse marine industry stakeholders including major Canadian and American shippers, ports, terminals and marine service providers, as well as Canadian domestic and international ship owners. The Chamber advocates for safe, sustainable, harmonized and competitive policy and regulation that recognizes the marine transportation system's significant advantages in the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence, Coastal and Arctic regions.
Media Contact:
Jason Card
Chamber of Marine Commerce
jcard@cmc-ccm.com
(613) 447 5401