Ports and Seaway Fees and Bridge Tolls

The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) acts as an economic regulator for certain marine activities. Through its powers and often in response to a complaint, the Agency determines whether tariffs, tolls and fees are unjust, unreasonable, discriminatory or prejudicial to the public interest. The Agency also protects the interests of Canadian vessel operators when dealing with applications to use foreign vessels in Canada, while allowing foreign equipment to be used when suitable Canadian vessels are not available.

Any person who believes that the tolls or charges levied are unjustly discriminatory may file a complaint with the Agency, which is then responsible for carrying out an investigation of the complaint.

Eligibility Criteria

The complaint mechanism is directed at any interested person.

Summary

Ports
Under the Canada Marine Act, port authorities have the power to establish their own fees for the use of their infrastructure and facilities, and for the services they offer. The legislation gives the Agency the mandate to investigate, upon complaint, fees that are unjustly discriminatory.

St. Lawrence Seaway
Created under the Canada Marine Act, the St. Lawrence Seaway not-for-profit corporation recognizes the major role of seaway users. The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) took over operational responsibility of the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway system. The Canadian portion of the seaway was formerly managed by the St. Lawrence Seaway Authority, a federal Crown Corporation. The SLSMC has taken over the management of the seaway since October 1^st , 1998, and has the power to establish its own tariffs. It is required to file these tariffs with the Agency, which continues to have the responsibility to investigate, upon complaint, that a tariff is unjustly discriminatory.

Bridges
Two separate corporations operate road vehicle bridges in Quebec and Ontario. The Jacques-Cartier and Champlain Bridges Inc. operates bridges linking Montreal Island to the south shore of Montréal, Quebec; and The St. Lawrence International Bridge Corporation Ltd. is responsible for administering the bridge between Cornwall, Ontario, and New York State. Pursuant to regulations which became effective on December 1^st , 1998, each corporation can establish fees to be charged with respect to the use of their facility or for any service performed. Bridge tolls may apply to pedestrians as well as vehicles. These fees must be filed with the Agency, which will investigate unjust discrimination complaints in any existing fees.

New Brunswick Contact(s):
See National Contact.

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National Contact(s):
Ms. Danielle Pilon
Manager
Marine Complaints and Investigations
Canadian Transportation Agency
Terrasses de la Chaudière
15 Eddy Street
Gatineau, Quebec  K1A 0N9
Telephone: (819) 997-8354
Fax: (819) 953-5686
E-mail: maritime.cta@cta-otc.gc.ca