Bill C-39: Strengthening trade corridors while protecting the Canadian fleet
[Press release]Québec City, September 22, 2026 – St. Lawrence Shipoperators welcomes several measures proposed in Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act, to improve trade corridor performance, facilitate port investment and streamline regulatory processes. These measures reflect several priorities advocated by the marine industry.
The association sees an opportunity to strengthen the competitiveness of the St. Lawrence–Great Lakes corridor. It calls for these measures to form part of a long-term national maritime vision that supports trade growth and supply chain resilience while addressing the needs of regional ports and the communities they serve.
This position echoes the discussions at the RDV des Armateurs held in Rivière-du-Loup on September 17. Participants stressed the need to accelerate port investment to meet the needs of businesses and communities and support regional economic development.
St. Lawrence Shipoperators considers the proposed exemption under the Coasting Trade Act unnecessary, as the existing framework already provides mechanisms for expedited applications, including in emergency situations. Canadian marine operators have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to respond effectively to emergencies and have always made themselves available to support the country’s essential needs. By allowing foreign vessels to be used without first verifying the availability of Canadian vessels, the exemption risks undermining the priority given to the domestic fleet. St. Lawrence Shipoperators wishes to work with the government to ensure that any measures considered in this context continue to recognize and preserve the priority role of domestic marine operators.
“We welcome the government’s efforts to improve trade corridor performance and support strategic investment. However, modernization measures must not weaken Canadian maritime capacity. Cabotage remains a cornerstone of our economic sovereignty, supply chain resilience and the development of maritime expertise in Canada,” said Saul Polo, President and CEO of St. Lawrence Shipoperators.
Throughout the parliamentary review, St. Lawrence Shipoperators intends to contribute constructively to ensure that the measures adopted strengthen both trade corridor competitiveness and Canadian maritime capacity.
About St. Lawrence Shipoperators
St. Lawrence Shipoperators brings together more than 170 members of the marine sector, including 28 shipoperators, active along the St. Lawrence–Great Lakes corridor, in the Arctic and on the Atlantic coast. The association represents commercial marine transportation interests and contributes to the development of a strong, competitive and sustainable marine sector.
