Enhancing Border Security and Trade Facilitation: A Critical Opportunity for Canada

Dear Minister McGuinty,

Canada’s border security and trade infrastructure face urgent challenges. At present The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) only operates five marine container examination facilities in Canada: Halifax, Saint John, Montréal, Prince Rupert and Vancouver. This is causing strained ports of entry and pressures on trade relationships, especially when you consider most provinces and that key trading hubs along the Great Lakes-St Lawrence Corridor, including the Greater Toronto Area, are without such facilities.

Security and trade are equally vital to Canada’s prosperity. Maintaining border security must not undermine efficient and resilient supply chains. CBSA has an opportunity to modernize its operations for today’s operational reality. While it has traditionally focused on security, CBSA must now prioritize trade facilitation as well. Both goals can and must coexist.

This shift is critical as Canadians grapple with inflation and economic uncertainty. Businesses and transportation leaders have proposed several practical and action-ready solutions, including inland terminals to augment and relieve pressure on first ports of arrival. CBSA has resisted advancing trade priorities in the past, but now is the time to change. A clear mandate and decisive action are needed to implement these forward-thinking proposals.

Other government agencies have shown how to balance security and efficiency. Transport Canada’s National Trade Corridors Fund and Green Shipping Corridor Fund strengthen supply chains while advancing sustainability. The new National Supply Chain Office reflects the government’s commitment to coordinated solutions. CBSA must step into this effort as a key partner, securing borders while also streamlining trade.

The Canada-U.S. trade relationship depends on efficient borders. The Great Lakes St. Lawrence region alone accounts for over 50% of bilateral trade and boasts a combined GDP of US$6 trillion. Secure, functional borders in this region drive economic growth for both countries.

CBSA’s leadership is essential. We urge the Agency to seize this opportunity to enhance border operations, protect security, and facilitate trade. Canadian businesses and supply chain partners are ready to collaborate to build resilient and sustainable trade networks.

Sincerely,

Bruce Burrows
Chief Executive Officer
Chamber of Marine Commerce

Chris Hall
Chief Executive Officer
Shipping Federation of Canada

Saul Polo
Executive Director
Saint-Lawrence Ship Operators

Maguessa Morel-Laforce
Executive Director
Ontario Marine Council

Mathieu St-Pierre
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
St.Lawrence Economic Development Council

CC: MP Matt Jeneroux, MP Ryan Williams, MP Phil Lawrence, MP Claude DeBellefeuille, MP Xavier Barsalou-Duval