St. Lawrence Shipoperators' Association (SLS) Applauds FMC decision, Looks to TC to Make Next Move
Monday, the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission closed its investigation into the potential trade barriers caused by Canada’s ballast water regulations without imposing any tariffs or other punitive measures on Canadian and Quebecker shipowners, a welcome outcome to a complex process.
SLS has been active in advocating for this exact outcome for its members and applauds the FMC for navigating a complicated situation and arriving at the only logical outcome.
However, the process is only postponed, as temporary exemptions were granted for U.S. carriers. "Within 24 months, we will be right back to the same place unless Transport Canada puts in place durable and fair solutions," said Saul Polo, Executive Director of SLS.
This outcome highlights the need to have governments apply harmonized approaches to protect trade and environmental standards in the Great Lakes. Both SLS and FMC highlight the potential for negative impacts when regulatory measures on carriers and trade across the Great Lakes are unaligned. The ball is now in Transport Canada's court.
"We said on day 1, and repeat today, that Transport Canada's ballast water regulations are flawed and create an unfair playing field in the Great Lakes. The FMC has just handed TC a golden opportunity to make things right before the temporary exemptions run out," continued Mr. Polo.
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Brief for the Pre-Budget Consultations in Preparation for the 2025 Federal Budget
The Shipoperators of the St. Lawrence (SLS) are pleased to submit recommendations for the upcoming federal budget on behalf of its members to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance.
SLS recommendations are focused on four key issues facing our industry:
shipyard modernisation for naval repair and construction
environmental protection
labour shortage
pilotage
SLS continues to engage with government on these important challenges to ensure the success of our membership and the growth of the marine transport sector.
To find out more about SLS’s recommendations, read our pre-budget submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance.
The St. Lawrence Shipoperators Calls for Urgent Resolution Amid Port of Montreal Strike Announcement
Press Release
For Immediate Release
September 27, 2024
The St. Lawrence Shipoperators Calls for Urgent Resolution Amid Port of Montreal Strike Announcement
Montreal, QC – The St. Lawrence Shipoperators (SLS), representing domestic shipowners operating across the St. Lawrence River, the Great Lakes, and the Canadian Arctic, expresses deep concern over the impending strike announced by the Port of Montreal Longshoremen’s Union. The three-day strike, set to occur from September 30 to October 3 at the Viau and Maisonneuve container terminals, threatens to significantly disrupt maritime operations and the essential supply chains that millions of Canadians rely on.
While we recognize the right to collective bargaining and the importance of fair labor negotiations, SLS calls on both the Maritime Employer’s Association (MEA) and the union to prioritize finding an immediate and sustainable resolution to avoid further disruptions. The Port of Montreal is a critical gateway for goods, with over 80% of everyday products entering Canadian homes passing through the St. Lawrence Seaway. Any prolonged interruption could have a ripple effect across the country, severely impacting businesses, communities, and key industries, particularly in Quebec and the Atlantic provinces.
SLS Director General, Saul Polo emphasized, “The maritime transport sector is vital to the Canadian economy and its supply chain. Our members are deeply concerned about the potential consequences this strike could have on the flow of goods. We strongly urge all parties involved to engage in meaningful dialogue to reach a lasting agreement that safeguards the continuity of services at the port."
While other terminals at the Port of Montreal will remain operational during the strike, the targeted closures at the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals will still create considerable logistical challenges for shipowners, who rely on the efficient movement of goods through these key container facilities. Any further delays could also impact industries across sectors, from manufacturing to agriculture, that depend on maritime transport to keep their operations running smoothly.
SLS continues to stand by its commitment to supporting growth and stability within Canada’s maritime sector, working closely with government bodies and industry partners to ensure that maritime transport remains a reliable and resilient pillar of the national supply chain. We strongly hope that both parties can swiftly come to a resolution that minimizes disruption and ensures the Port of Montreal continues to serve as a critical hub for trade and commerce.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Louis-Alexandre Lanthier
Phone: 343-575-0760
Email: info@asl-sls.org
About St. Lawrence Shipeoperators
SLS is a non-profit organization dedicated to representing and promoting the interests of domestic shipowners, supporting their growth, and ensuring the sustainable development of maritime transport on the St. Lawrence River. With over 130 vessels under the Canadian flag and operations across the St. Lawrence, Great Lakes, Atlantic coast, and Arctic regions, ASL’s members generate close to 27,000 jobs and play a critical role in the Canadian economy.
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Saul Polo Appointed New Executive Director of St. Lawrence Shipoperators (SLS)
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Saul Polo Appointed New Executive Director of St. Lawrence Shipoperators (SLS)
Montreal, September 16, 2024 – The St. Lawrence Shipoperators (SLS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Saul Polo as the new Executive Director, effective September 16, 2024. Saul Polo will bring invaluable expertise to advance SLS’s mission and support the growth of Quebec’s maritime sector.
SLS is a non-profit organization dedicated to representing and promoting the interests of domestic shipowners. With 12 active members and over 50 associate members, SLS represents companies operating a combined fleet of more than 130 vessels under the Canadian flag. These vessels operate on the St. Lawrence River, the Great Lakes, the Atlantic coast, and in the Arctic, generating nearly 27,000 direct and indirect jobs with a payroll exceeding $1 billion in Quebec.
Saul Polo, with a distinguished career in business development and solutions management, will provide SLS with strategic vision and dynamic leadership. Formerly a Liberal Member of the National Assembly for Laval-des-Rapides, he has held various leadership roles, including opposition spokesperson and parliamentary assistant in multiple ministries including the department of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade and for matters of energy and natural Resources. Most recently, he served as Practice Leader at Filaction, a local and social impact investment fund.
Under Saul Polo’s leadership, SLS aims to strengthen its engagement with members, develop new partnerships, and promote maritime transport in Quebec and at the federal level. His management expertise and extensive professional network will be significant assets in driving SLS to new successes and contributing to the maritime sector’s potential.
Quotes:
"We are thrilled to welcome Saul Polo as our new Executive Director. His diverse experience and commitment to economic development will be invaluable to our organization and the entire maritime sector," said Guillaum Dubreuil, Chair of the Board for SLS.
"I am honoured to join The St. Lawrence Shipoperators and excited to work with our members to support and advance maritime transport," said Saul Polo. "I am committed to promoting our members’ interests and pursuing impactful projects to further strengthen our position in the maritime industry."
For more information, please contact:
Louis-Alexandre Lanthier
Armateurs du Saint-Laurent
Phone :343-575-0670
Email : Louis-Alexandre.Lanthier@paainc.ca
Website : https://www.armateurs-du-st-laurent.org
The St. Lawrence Shipoperators (SLS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to representing and promoting the interests of domestic shipowners to support their growth and foster the development of maritime transport on the St. Lawrence.
SLS works actively to advance issues affecting our members, closely monitoring and engaging on changes to transport-related regulations and policies. We are especially active in areas related to maritime operations, environmental protection, short sea shipping, safety and human resources. Attuned to current events and on the outlook for new opportunities, SLS is a key ally in a changing world.
The St. Lawrence Shipowners welcome the swift action of Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Labour and Seniors
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Québec – July 24th 2024
The St. Lawrence Shipowners (ASL) welcome the ministerial referral to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) regarding the maritime transport services provided by Desgagnés and its crews, to evaluate aspects of essential services.
Desgagnés' maritime services ensure the supply of essential goods such as food, medicine, fuel, and more to isolated Canadian communities and companies. Any disruption in the logistics chain would have severe consequences for the livelihood of Canadians living and working in these remote areas.
Minister MacKinnon's swift action is crucial in evaluating the aspects of essential services as defined by the Labour code in article 87.4 which ensures the continuation of necessary activities to prevent an immediate and serious danger to the safety or health of the public in the event of a work stoppage.
ASL members play a crucial role in the fluidity and resilience of the Canadian supply chain through their expertise in maritime transport. ASL emphasizes that any disruption to this chain can have serious consequences, demonstrating the importance of maintaining a robust maritime infrastructure and ecosystem to support the Canadian economy.
For any questions, please contact:
Louis-Alexandre Lanthier (he/him/il)
T. 343-575-0760
louis-alexandre.lanthier@paainc.ca
About the St. Lawrence Shipowners
A key player in maritime transport since 1936, ASL is an association representing 13 domestic shipowners who transport goods and passengers on the waters of the St. Lawrence, as well as the Great Lakes, the Arctic, and the Maritime provinces. Our mission is to support the growth of our members and the development of maritime transport on the St. Lawrence by ensuring the representation and promotion of Canadian shipowners' activities.