A Bit of History

The Canada Marine Act (CMA) (1998) implemented the federal government’s National Marine Policy, which was announced in December 1995, and called for the modernization of the marine management and regulatory regime by introducing business discipline to achieve greater efficiency in the marine transportation sector.  It constituted and allowed for the establishment of Canada Port Authorities (CPA), facilitated the commercialization of the St. Lawrence Seaway, allowed for the continued divestiture of certain harbour beds and port facilities and contained provisions for the further commercialization of federal ferry services.  The CMA required the Minister of Transport to complete a review of the provision and operation of the Act in the fifth year following Royal Assent. 

On May 26, 2002, the Minister of Transport, announced the appointment of a four-member expert Panel to undertake consultations with stakeholders and to make recommendations based on these consultations to assist him in conducting the review.  The Panel traveled to eleven cities in seven provinces in the course of their consultations and received over 140 written submissions.

The Report on the Review of the CMA was tabled in Parliament on June 4, 2003, in accordance with the requirements of section 144 of the Act.  The purpose of the review was to examine the issues that have arisen related to the implementation of the CMA, with particular emphasis on the provisions of the Act.  A Guidance Document was prepared to provide guidance to the Panel and to stakeholders on the review of the CMA. It contains background information on how the CMA was developed, an overview of the marine industry, and a summary of the main issues with respect to the CMA that have been raised to date.

The Report on the Review of the CMA and written submissions to the review are available.  You may obtain copies on CD Rom and/or hard copies by filling out the request form.

Today’s Reality

In order to improve the competitiveness of the Canadian marine industry, the department will not limit its activities to legislative amendments.  Currently, amendments are being considered in the context of:  the CMA Review, stakeholders’ reaction to former Bill C-61, and new and emerging trends of the 21^st century.  Key elements under consideration include:

·        Superior integration of trade routes

·        Enhanced intermodalism

·        Competitiveness

·        Safety and sustainability of the transportation system

Because of its importance to Canada’s prosperity, transportation is one of the federal government’s priorities.  Canada’s transportation system keeps people and goods moving across the country and internationally.  As the new millennium unfolds, our priorities will continue to focus on the future.  Infrastructure, integration, intermodalism and innovation will continue to be the mainstays of our strategic vision for transportation.  Cooperation through public-private partnerships will also  remain vital to the smooth running of our transportation system. 

Transport Canada will pursue other initiatives in key areas to continue to maximize the efficiency of the marine sector and strengthen its role in relation to Canada’s international trade.  Working together on projects like the National Marine and Industrial Council and in Shortsea Shipping Transport Canada and industry stakeholders spur each other to reach greater heights.

Stay tuned for more news on possible amendments to the CMA.