The gateways for trade in goods between Canada and its trade partners are vital—without them, Canada’s supply chains cannot run smoothly. Internal transport networks and freight transfer points are also key components of Canada’s trade corridors. In addition, when the various trade corridor stakeholders collaborate and share information with each other, the flow of goods is better across all networks.

As part of its study on establishing a Canadian transportation and logistics strategy, the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities met with various transportation corridor users and stakeholders to identify opportunities to increase the efficiency of Canada’s trade corridors. Witness testimony gave Committee members a better understanding of the major bottlenecks around the country, particularly in central Canada and on the West Coast.

Topics discussed included border service performance, labour force availability, the transport infrastructure deficit in remote regions, the implication for regional travel, local commuting and commerce and current and future capacity issues for road and rail transportation infrastructure moving freight to and from Canada’s gateways. The Committee believes that the Government of Canada must redouble its efforts to improve the fluidity of supply chains across the country as regards transportation. The Committee also believes that an increase in vessel traffic should not occur at the expense of coastal protection.

Various witnesses who participated in the study emphasized the Government of Canada’s role in collecting and sharing supply chain data. They also highlighted how using various technologies, such as biometrics at border crossings, can help optimize the capacity of transportation, logistics and service infrastructures in Canada.

Other witnesses said it was necessary to protect industrial lands near trade corridors so they can be used for trade expansion in the future. It was pointed out on multiple occasions that the Government of Canada has a role to play in encouraging enhanced dialogue between the various supply chain stakeholders and between the various levels of government.

As part of this study, the Committee travelled to the Niagara region, Vancouver and Seattle. Witnesses in the Niagara region indicated that the regular congestion on the Queen Elizabeth Way highway meant that an alternative must be found for transporting freight. The Committee agrees with the recommendations put forward by stakeholders and believes that the Government of Canada should support the mid-peninsula highway project and encourage increased use of the St. Lawrence Seaway for transporting freight.

In Metro Vancouver, the main concern was the current capacity of the rail network in Western Canada and the Port of Vancouver facilities, as well as how increased freight traffic would put a strain on the region’s transportation infrastructure. The Committee shares the concerns raised by these witnesses and believes that more dialogue between the various stakeholders would help them establish a better balance between the freight transport industry’s needs, land use needs and local transport needs.