The Airport and Port Programs Directorate of Transport Canada is responsible for:

• Divesting regional/local ports to other federal departments, provincial governments, and local interests, including municipalities
   
• Functional guidance and support to Transport Canada regional staff on port related issues to ensure national consistency
   
• Functions related to ministerial appointments of Harbour Masters and Wharfingers
   
• Technical reviews of proposed capital and maintenance projects
   
• Authority management and real property responsibilities to ensure Canada Port Authority (CPA) compliance with the Canada Marine Act and Letters Patent
   
• Guiding Canada Port Authorities real property transactions through the approval process, issuing Supplementary Letters Patent, and managing litigation involving real property issues