Enhancing border security and facilitating trade: A critical opportunity for Canada

[Open letter]

Dear Minister McGuinty,

Canada's border security and trade infrastructure are facing urgent challenges. At present, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) operates only five marine container examination facilities across the country: Halifax, Saint John, Montréal, Prince Rupert and Vancouver. This places increasing pressure on ports of entry and Canada's trade network, particularly considering that most provinces and several major commercial hubs along the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence corridor, including the Greater Toronto Area, do not have access to such facilities.

Security and trade are equally essential to Canada's prosperity. Maintaining secure borders should not come at the expense of efficient and resilient supply chains. The CBSA has an opportunity to modernize its operations to reflect today's transportation and trade realities. While the Agency has traditionally focused on security, it must now also prioritize trade facilitation. These two objectives are complementary and should advance together.

This shift is particularly important as Canadians continue to face inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty. Businesses and transportation leaders have already proposed several practical, implementation-ready solutions, including the development of inland terminals to relieve congestion at first ports of arrival. While the CBSA has historically been reluctant to advance trade-focused priorities, the time has come for change. Clear direction and decisive action are needed to implement these forward-looking solutions.

Other federal organizations have already demonstrated that security and efficiency can successfully coexist. Transport Canada's National Trade Corridors Fund and Green Shipping Corridor Program strengthen supply chains while advancing sustainability objectives. Likewise, the creation of the National Supply Chain Office reflects the Government of Canada's commitment to coordinated solutions. The CBSA must become an active partner in this effort by securing Canada's borders while facilitating the movement of goods.

Canada–United States trade depends on efficient and reliable border operations. The Great Lakes–St. Lawrence region alone accounts for more than 50 percent of bilateral trade and represents a combined GDP of approximately US$6 trillion. Secure and efficient border operations throughout this region directly support economic growth on both sides of the border.

The CBSA's leadership will be essential. We encourage the Agency to seize this opportunity to modernize border operations, strengthen security, and facilitate trade. Canadian businesses and supply chain partners stand ready to collaborate in building resilient, efficient, and sustainable trade networks.

Sincerely,

Chris Hall

President and Chief Executive Officer

Canadian Marine Federation

Bruce Burrows

President and Chief Executive Officer

Chamber of Marine Commerce

Maguessa Morel-Laforce

Executive Director

Ontario Marine Council

Saul Polo

President and Chief Executive Officer

St. Lawrence Ship Operators

Mathieu St-Pierre

President and Chief Executive Officer

St. Lawrence Economic Development Council

CC: MP Matt Jeneroux, MP Ryan Williams, MP Phil Lawrence, MP Claude DeBellefeuille and MP Xavier Barsalou-Duval