The marine sector is facing an increasing number of issues and challenges that cut across different federal departments, including the promotion of Shortsea Shipping, the efficiency of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway, port competitiveness, Marine Services fees, and the Canada Marine Act Review.

Industry stakeholders approached Transport Canada (TC), Industry Canada (IC), International Trade Canada (ITCan) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) with a proposal to create the National Marine and Industrial Council (NMIC). Canada's Marine Industry Alliance is the principal proponent of this initiative. The NMIC promotes the benefits of the Canadian marine industry as an economic generator and provides a venue for discussing marine policy issues with leaders from the marine industry and Deputy Ministers of departments that have direct influence.  Environment Canada (EC) also became a member of the NMIC in late 2005.

TC, through its Marine Policy group, provides the resources for the NMIC Secretariat.

At this stage, the industry’s primary objective for the NMIC is to make marine transportation more efficient and that it be used as a tool for developing industry, commerce and the Canadian economy, while preserving the environment. Beyond this overriding concept, key issues would be principally of a horizontal nature and include security, innovation and infrastructure.

The first meeting of the NMIC took place in Ottawa. This meeting was mostly meant for members to meet each other and highlight the key issues they believe should be addressed by the Council. The Council also approved the Functioning Rules and Guiding Principles of the NMIC at this meeting.

This Council has high expectations for the future. It has already produced a Background document that describes the Canadian marine industry we have today. Three Working Groups, led by industry representatives, were established to work on key issues like infrastructure & trade, regulatory framework and technology and innovation.