Building the strongest economy in the G7 requires CBSA support

Prime Minister Carney

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland,

Minister of Transport and Internal Trade

The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety

Mr. Dan Albas, M.P.Ms. Claude DeBellefeuille, M.P.Mr. Mike Kelloway,

Parliamentary Secretary

Dear Prime Minister and Ministers,

As a coalition of maritime industry stakeholders, we are writing to express our strong support for the recent letter issued by the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative regarding Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) customs clearance services throughout the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence (GLSL) region—an issue that reflects broader national priorities. We welcome the federal government's renewed commitment to expanding and diversifying Canada's global trade.

Achieving this objective requires a modern approach to trade infrastructure and recognition of the CBSA's dual mandate, as well as its essential role in building a stronger, more resilient, diversified and inclusive Canadian economy. The CBSA plays a critical role in safeguarding Canada's borders, protecting the security of Canadians and our trading partners. Its role in facilitating trade is equally important, as it is essential to unlocking Canada's full economic potential, particularly in the context of global uncertainty and evolving supply chains.

However, limited customs clearance capacity and related services at ports along the St. Lawrence River, throughout the Great Lakes, and in other underserved regions continue to hinder growth and competitiveness. Increased use of marine transportation could also reduce road and rail congestion while lowering carbon emissions, as vessels produce approximately 80 to 90 percent fewer CO₂ emissions per tonne-kilometre than heavy trucks.

The Liberal platform's commitment to increasing CBSA resources presents a timely opportunity to address this gap. However, focusing exclusively on border security risks overlooking the Agency's ability to facilitate new trade opportunities. We therefore support the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative's call to ensure that the CBSA has the resources and authority required not only to protect Canada's borders, but also to facilitate trade. By responding more effectively to emerging commercial opportunities, Canada can reduce trade processing times, attract international investment, and strengthen its trade corridors.

This is not solely an economic efficiency issue—it is also a matter of national resilience. Providing the CBSA with sufficient resources to expand customs clearance services and capacity at both existing and emerging sites directly supports the objective of building a stronger Canada. It promotes interprovincial trade, facilitates greater diversification of international markets, and ensures that the CBSA can fully deliver on both aspects of its mandate: border enforcement and trade facilitation.

We strongly support increased federal investment in additional CBSA resources. While border security remains essential, these investments must also recognize the transformative role that marine and inland ports play in strengthening Canada's global trade network and supporting long-term economic growth and diversification.

Building a more connected and competitive Canada depends on it. Our coalition would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss how we can work together to ensure Canada's trade infrastructure reflects the strength and diversity of its regions.

Respectfully,

Coalition of Maritime Stakeholders

Saul Polo Executive Director, St. Lawrence Ship Operators

Maguessa Morel-Laforce, Executive Director, Ontario Marine Council

Mathieu St-Pierre Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, SODES

Wes Newton Chair, Chamber of Marine Commerce

Daniel-Robert Gooch President and Chief Executive Officer, Association of Canadian Port Authorities

Chris Hall Chief Executive Officer, Shipping Federation of Canada