To build the nation, Ottawa must unlock the full potential of the St. Lawrence–Great Lakes corridor

[Joint Opinion Letter] The St. Lawrence–Great Lakes Corridor is one of North America's most strategically important economic assets, contributing $66.1 billion to the North American economy and supporting nearly 360,000 jobs. Yet, we have not fully realized the true potential of this unique and strategic gateway for domestic and cross-border trade.

As Canada pursues its ambition of building the strongest economy in the G7, the maritime industry is calling on the Government of Canada to:

1. Leverage its $5-billion National Trade Corridors Fund to invest in the St. Lawrence Seaway, Canada's commercial fleet, and key ports, enabling the maritime industry to establish clear timelines for extending the navigation season.

2. Ensure adequate federal funding for icebreaking services to support a longer and more reliable shipping season.

3. Foster collaboration among all stakeholders, including maritime organizations and Indigenous partners, to ensure their perspectives are reflected in this nation-building initiative. These partners have played a critical role in the success of the corridor and must remain central to its future development.

Today's global landscape makes this even more urgent. Major international shipping corridors—anchored by world-class ports such as Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Hamburg—are investing heavily in decarbonization, automation, real-time operational data, and digital platforms. They are preparing for intensifying competition and increasingly complex supply chains.

Canada cannot afford to stand still when it already possesses the infrastructure, expertise, and capacity to grow today. By capitalizing on the natural and lasting strategic advantage of the St. Lawrence–Great Lakes Corridor, including extending the navigation season, Canada can unlock new opportunities for domestic trade between provinces—an objective already identified by the federal government—and strengthen the country's long-term economic competitiveness.

As Canada seeks to develop new partnerships and advance nation-building projects that respond to rapidly evolving economic realities, we have a unique opportunity to position the St. Lawrence–Great Lakes Corridor as a cornerstone of our shared economic future. Together, we can make it one of the world's most efficient, resilient, and sustainable maritime transportation systems.

Achieving this vision requires strategic action and strong collaboration. We stand ready to work together and move forward without delay.

Signatories

St. Lawrence Ship Operators

Chamber of Marine Commerce

Ontario Marine Council

St. Lawrence Economic Development Council

Algoma Central Corporation

Canada Steamship Lines (CSL)

Groupe Desgagnés

NEAS Group