POSTED ON BEHALF OF THE ONTARIO MARINE COUNCIL: Today, a first of its kind “Marine Day at Queens Park” event was held between the Ontario Marine Council and representatives from all parties within the Government of Ontario, with the goal of advancing economic growth and environmental sustainability. As Ontario is home to some of the largest commercial ports on the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway, as well as vital ship operating and ship building companies, there are unique opportunities to enhance the province’s position as a destination, a gateway to North America’s industrial heartland, and a vital link in the global supply chain. This unprecedented engagement between industry and political leaders helped identify, prioritize, and plan for these opportunities, which in turn helps inform the development of a first-ever Ontario Marine Transportation Strategy.
“Through this event, we have taken another important step in developing government policies and programs that help build a resilient, environmentally sustainable, and competitive supply chain,” noted Steve Salmons, President and CEO of the Windsor Port Authority and Chair of the Ontario Marine Council. “Our industry greatly appreciates the tremendous level of engagement we now have with the Government of Ontario, and looks forward to building on this work in ways that create jobs, achieve environmental goals, and grow the economy.”
The Marine Day at Queens Park event continues ongoing engagement by the Ford Government to maximize the economic and environmental benefits offered by the domestic shipping industry and Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Seaway. That engagement has included comprehensive consultations with industry and other stakeholders over a period of months, and a dedicated section in the 2023 Provincial Budget titled “Supporting Ontario’s Emerging Marine Transportation Industry.” The Honourable Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation, and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation Hardeep Singh Grewal will address all attendees at a closing reception to further discuss the government’s vision and commitments.
“Marine transportation is the cornerstone of an integrated and reliable supply chain that grows Ontario’s economy, and engagements like this help realize the full potential of our industry” said Maguessa Morel-Laforce, Executive Director of the Ontario Marine Council. “Our industry looks forward to completing the first-ever Ontario Marine Transportation Strategy by the end of this year, and thanks Minister Mulroney, Parliamentary Assistant Grewal, and their department for prioritizing this work.”
Key Facts
The marine sector in Ontario contributes $10 billion in economic activity and $3.9 billion in annual income.
Ontario’s marine sector supports over 70,000 jobs, both on ship and on shore.
Each year, the marine sector in Ontario handles approximately 61.3 million metric tons of cargo.
The marine sector pays its fair share in taxes – helping to support the valuable programs the government of Ontario offers, through an industry contribution of approximately $1.9 billion in municipal, federal and provincial tax revenues.
About the Ontario Marine Council
The Ontario Marine Council is an industry association representing the major stakeholders in Ontario’s marine sectors. Our membership includes Port Operators, Shipyards, Ship Owners, and the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation. Our purpose is to ensure Ontario’s marine economy realizes its full economic, environmental and social potential.
Media Contact:
Maguessa Morel-Laforce
Ontario Marine Council
819 592 3757
The Chamber of Marine Commerce (CMC) is a bi-national association that represents diverse marine industry stakeholders including major Canadian and American shippers, ports, terminals and marine service providers, as well as Canadian domestic and international ship owners. The Chamber advocates for safe, sustainable, harmonized and competitive policy and regulation that recognizes the marine transportation system's significant advantages in the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence, Coastal and Arctic regions.
Media Contact:
Jason Card
Chamber of Marine Commerce
jcard@cmc-ccm.com
(613) 447 5401