Port infrastructure: St. Lawrence stakeholders call for accelerated investment in St. Lawrence ports
[Press release] RIVIÈRE-DU-LOUP, September 17, 2026 – Gathered in Rivière-du-Loup for the Shipowners’ Luncheon, St. Lawrence Shipowners and other St. Lawrence stakeholders underscored the importance of accelerating investment in Quebec’s port infrastructure, particularly in Eastern Quebec, to meet the current and future needs of businesses, supply chains and communities served by the St. Lawrence.
This call comes as Canada steps up efforts to mobilize major capital investments and stimulate economic growth through large-scale projects, including the 2026 Canadian Investment Summit, and as it has concluded or negotiated more than 20 strategic agreements and partnerships related to trade, security and defense over the past 18 months. As Quebec and Canada seek to strengthen their investment capacity, diversify their markets and increase the resilience of their supply chains, St. Lawrence port capacity represents a strategic lever for supporting regional economic development and Quebec’s competitiveness.
“There is an urgent need to act. Behind every deteriorating wharf, every terminal with insufficient capacity and every delayed project are jobs, businesses and communities that depend on marine transportation. Goods need to reach markets, specialized equipment needs to be transported, and essential supplies need to be delivered. Canada is expanding its trade partnerships and mobilizing historic levels of capital to support economic growth. Eastern Quebec cannot be left behind in this momentum: with Quebec’s maritime strategy unfunded for the past 18 months and port infrastructure projects still awaiting investment, our regions risk missing this economic opportunity,” said Saul Polo, President and CEO of St. Lawrence Shipowners.
Infrastructure that can no longer wait
A significant proportion of Eastern Quebec’s infrastructure requires major investments in modernization and, in some cases, reconstruction to prevent operational limitations or partial closures that would negatively affect both the regional and national economies.
The needs are concrete, and several projects are ready to move forward:
Matane – Rehabilitating the port is a strategic investment to maintain and expand regional port capacity, support existing marine activities, and meet the needs of major projects.
Baie-Comeau – The reconstruction and redevelopment of Terminal No. 5 are essential to improving port operations and supporting the growth of industrial and commercial activities. A significant portion of government funding is still pending.
Havre-Saint-Pierre – The expansion project is a strategic initiative that would increase commercial, industrial, and fishing activities while creating new capacity for international cruises and a potential ferry service. The project is valued at more than $150 million.
Sept-Îles – The modernization of the Multi-User Dock, a project valued at $60 million, is necessary to increase export capacity and support the growth of mining activities. Rehabilitating the Petroleum Dock, valued at $15 million, is also required to ensure the security of the region’s hydrocarbon supply.
Port-Cartier – Major rehabilitation of the municipal wharf is required to ensure its long-term viability and meet the needs of regional industries. A rail landing facility would also allow railcars to transfer between the land-based rail network and a barge or rail ferry, providing an alternative to trucking.
Lower North Shore – Rehabilitation of federal wharves, particularly in Harrington Harbour and La Romaine, can no longer wait. These facilities are essential for resupply services, passenger transportation and supplying local communities. They must also provide adequate facilities, including sanitary services and reliable access to water.
Investments must be part of a long-term vision
St. Lawrence Shipowners are urging the governments of Quebec and Canada to accelerate investment in regional port infrastructure and establish predictable funding mechanisms to support priority projects.
These investments should take into account regional economic benefits, as well as the contribution of multimodal infrastructure to supply chain fluidity, emissions reductions and supply chain resilience.
For the St. Lawrence Economic Development Council (SODES), this approach must also be part of an integrated vision for the St. Lawrence–Great Lakes corridor, ensuring that port, logistics, energy and digital investments contribute coherently to Quebec’s competitiveness and regional development.
“For an island community like ours in the Magdalen Islands, marine transportation is part of our daily lives. Reliable and suitable port infrastructure is essential and must evolve alongside the needs of carriers and the communities they serve,” said Emmanuel Aucoin, General Manager of CTMA.
“Through Relais Nordik, Desgagnés plays an essential role in supplying communities and supporting the vitality of the North Shore. To ensure the continuity and reliability of this service, it is essential to have modern, safe port infrastructure adapted to the needs of vessels, businesses and the communities served,” said André Mikhael, President and CEO of Relais Nordik (Desgagnés).
“Port infrastructure is at the heart of a competitive St. Lawrence–Great Lakes corridor capable of supporting Quebec’s economic ambitions. Investments in port infrastructure must be part of a coherent, collaborative long-term vision that considers the corridor as a whole, regional development, market diversification and supply chain fluidity,” said Mathieu St-Pierre, President and CEO of SODES.
