Issue 3 • September-October 2007
Introductory Address – OMTF – Wayne Smith
OMTF President, Wayne Smith
As summer comes to an end, I can’t help but reflect upon the many strides and successes that Ontario’s marine industry has achieved over the past year.
These accomplishments would not have been possible without the contributions and collective vision of many people and organizations.
Particularly, I want to express my gratitude to Donna Cansfield, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation, for helping to bring much needed attention to Ontario’s marine sector.
As October’s provincial election draws closer, outcomes cannot be predicted and governments may change. However, no matter which party comes to power, it is my hope that we will continue to build upon the progress made to date and that the Ministry of Transportation will continue its movement to a true multi-modal department, focusing on the larger needs of Ontarians, such as the health of our environment and relief of gridlock from Ontario’s highways and roads.
With that said, I want to quickly highlight the progress made to-date for Ontario’s marine sector. This includes:
- Ontario’s first-ever Marine Summit;
- The establishment of an inter-departmental working group between the Ontario government and marine industry to address issues of importance;
- Receiving $3.75 million from the Province of Ontario for Georgian College’s Marine education program;
- The creation of the Minister of Transportation’s Ontario Marine Transportation Advisory Panel; and,
- The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the development of the Ontario-Quebec Continental Gateway and Trade Corridor between the provincial, Quebec and Federal governments.
I look forward to more progress in the future, and wish everyone a happy, healthy and productive fall season.
Sincerely,
Wayne Smith
President, Ontario Marine Transportation Forum
Hamilton – A Multi-Modal Port
The Port of Hamilton
From marine shipping to the bright lights of Hollywood, the Port of Hamilton is as fluid in its operations as the waters that pass through it.
The port, nestled in the heart of the Greater Golden Horseshoe, has become a large contributor to Ontario’s economic viability.
“Hamilton, as the largest Canadian Great Lakes port, provides a vital transportation link for the Province of Ontario, feeding steel mills Dofasco and Stelco with raw materials, and providing the gateway for waterborne movements of bulk liquids, agri-products and semi-finished steel cargoes,” notes Hamilton Port Authority president and ceo Keith Robson.
In 2006, the port handled 12.6 million tonnes of product, and had record revenues of $18.4 million; a large increase since the establishment of The Hamilton Harbour Commissioners in 1912 – when tonnage totaled only 89,400 tonnes.
Shipping and marine transportation aren’t the only roles the port plays, having served as the set for several of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters, including Cinderella Man.
However, despite being a choice location for several hit blockbusters, the pulse of the port remains shipping.
Expanding its horizons, the Hamilton Port Authority acquired an additional 103 acres of waterfront property in the past eight months, increasing land holdings by 20% and further increasing the capacity for new cargoes and additional volumes of the current cargo mix.
And, by the looks of things, the port’s business development opportunities will continue to into the future.
“The container trade is rapidly growing each year, providing fantastic opportunities for inland ports to position themselves as distribution centres for high value consumer goods and bulk commodities transported by container,” said Robson. “Hamilton is considered an ideal port for this form of development and the port, in conjunction with its valued partners, is exploring the possibility of several projects in this trade reaching start up point in the next couple of years.”
Canada and Ontario Announce Agreement to Improve and Protect The Great Lakes
The Ontario and Federal governments pledged their commitment to preserving the health of the Great Lakes on August 16th when representatives from both parties signed the Canada-Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem on August 16.
“The Great Lakes are one of the most important freshwater resources in the world and it’s an essential part of the lives of millions of Canadians who rely on them for drinking water, recreation and their livelihoods,” said Minister Baird. “Our government is taking another tangible step in support of a healthier environment with this important commitment to restore and protect the Great Lakes.”
The Canada-Ontario Agreement focuses on cleaning up 15 severely degraded ecosystems in the Great Lakes. Its objectives include:
- reducing harmful pollutants;
- improving water quality;
- conserving fish and wildlife species and habitats;
- lessening the threat of aquatic invasive species; and,
- improving land management practices within the Great Lakes Basin.
“The Canada-Ontario Agreement is an important part of Ontario’s strategy to ensure that the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem continues to provide clean, safe water for millions of people,” said Ontario Environment Minister Laurel Broten. “This agreement allows us to work with the Government of Canada and the Great Lakes community to help protect this priceless resource.”
The Canada-Ontario Agreement also contains new areas of cooperation such as protecting sources of drinking water, understanding the impacts of climate change and encouraging sustainable use of land, water and other natural resources.
It will contribute to meeting Canada’s obligations under the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, which is currently under review by both countries. A new Agreement beyond 2010 would consider the recommendations and results of that review.
The Agreement may be viewed on-line at: http://www.ec.gc.ca/CEPARegistry/ and http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/publications/6263e.pdf.
Governments of Canada, Ontario and Quebec to Develop the Ontario-Quebec Continental Gateway and Trade Corridor
The governments of Canada, Ontario and Quebec signed a Memorundum of Understanding (MOU) on July 30th with the intent to build an Ontario-Quebec Continental Gateway and Trade Corridor.
“Ontario and Quebec are vital contributors to the Canadian economy, representing about 60 per cent of Canada's exports and gross domestic product," said Ontario Minister of Transportation, Donna Cansfield. "Developing a sustainable transportation system that focuses on all transport options will keep our provinces globally competitive.”
The action plan will be undertaken over the next two years and has the following objectives:
- examine global markets and trade opportunities for Canada;
- target key initiatives with significant trade potential that will benefit all Canadians;
- prepare for the future by developing a strategy that responds to new trade patterns and trends; and
- address issues linked to transportation, such as protecting the environment, ensuring quality of life and enhancing the security of Canadians.
Results will be delivered by working in partnership with the public and private sectors on a long-term strategy to support Canada's international trade, particularly the strong economic relationship between Canada and the United States.
The MOU between Canada, Ontario and Quebec establishes the framework for federal-provincial collaboration to develop the Ontario-Quebec Continental Gateway and Trade Corridor in partnership with the private and public sectors.
CMC Changes Name to Chamber of Marine Commerce
OTTAWA – Formerly the Chamber of Maritime Commerce (CMC), the CMC has announced that its name has been officially changed to the Chamber of Marine Commerce, effective immediately.
Ray Johnston, president of the Ottawa-based marine industry association, explained “we believe the new name more fully represents our members, our mission and our message, especially as we advocate increasingly to non-industry professionals – especially government – who may not always automatically equate the term ‘maritime’ to water-based transportation.”
Founding Members of the Forum include; The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, Windsor Port Authority, Seaway Marine Transport, Hamilton Port Authority, Thunder Bay Port Authority, Toronto Port Authority, Federal Marine Terminals, McKeil Marine Limited and Canada Steamship Lines.
