441-01494 (Employment and labour)

Seventeen Canada Port Authorities oversee the country's most vital ports. While Canada Port Authorities are federal entities, these organizations operate independently from the Government, adhering to commercial and financial self-sustainability principles. Port authorities fulfill crucial public policy objectives like facilitating national economic development and overseeing safety and environmental regulations. Canada Port Authorities are also key hubs in the Canada’s supply chains, where rail, road and marine modes intersect to support export and import markets, and ports rely on the dedicated workers who are essential to their operations.

The boards of directors within Canada Port Authorities play a crucial role for their organizations by setting the course, ensuring proper functioning, and aligning with the objectives of the Canada Marine Act. The boards are composed of seven to eleven directors appointed as follows: one federal director appointed by the Governor in Council, as nominated by the Minister of Transport; one municipal director; one provincial director; and four to seven user directors, appointed by the Governor in Council, as nominated by the Minister in consultation with users selected by the Minister or the classes of users mentioned in the letters patent.

These directors are required to have recognized stature within the transportation or business community. In addition, the directors nominated by the Minister in consultation with users are required to have extensive experience in business management or port and maritime trade operations. While expertise in port-related fields is expected, directors must not have any actual or perceived conflicts of interest and must act in the best interests of the port authority. The framework provides opportunities for qualified individuals from various backgrounds to be nominated or appointed as directors, promoting diversity and inclusive representation.

In November 2022, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-33, the Strengthening the Ports System and Railway Safety in Canada Act, in the House of Commons to advance the role of Canada Port Authorities as strategic enablers of supply chain resiliency and efficiency. The proposed reforms to the Canada Marine Act seek to enhance the effectiveness and governance of Canada Port Authorities by adapting to the changing landscape and reinforcing good board practices. The Government of Canada has committed to consider all proposed amendments with a view to strengthening the port system and railway safety in Canada.

The Government expects Canada Port Authorities to collaborate with port users, including workers. To this effect, Bill C-33 requires ports to establish advisory boards with local communities to ensure that their priorities are heard and reflected. In addition, the Minister of Transport has and will continue to engage with the New Democratic Party transport critic, and colleagues across all parties, to ensure that the expertise of port workers will be reflected on port authority boards.