Ottawa-A public consultation has been launched on expanding the screening requirements and capabilities at Canadian ports to improve the shipping of goods, Transport Minister Anita Anand has announced.

The consultation will run to March 31 and will look at expanding port screening requirements to enhance security through increased background checks on employees at port and marine facilities.

Anand said that currently only individuals with specific occupations and those requiring access to highly restricted areas at Canada's ports are required to hold a Transportation Security Clearance. The consultation will explore strengthening security with more background security checks at Canadian ports and marine facilities.

This would be part of federal efforts to deal with any illicit activity in Canadian ports as part of efforts safeguard supply chains and reinforce Canada's reputation as a trusted global trading partner.

Meanwhile three Conservative MPs including Phil Lawrence of Northumberland-Peterborough South and Ryan Williams of Bay of Quinte along with Matt Jeneroux from Alberta and Bloc Quebecois MPs Claude DeBellefeuille and Xavier Barsolou-Duvaln are calling for container examination facilities to be built by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) at key ports in the Great Lakes-St Lawrence Corridor, including the Greater Toronto Area.

Security and trade are equally vital to Canada’s prosperity, they said. “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.”

The MPs noted that CBSA only operates marine container examination facilities in Halifax, Saint John, Montreal, 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.”

This change is critical as Canadians grapple with inflation and economic uncertainty, the MPs said. “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.”

The government needs to give CBSA a clear mandate to implement the proposals, the MPs said. 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 Great Lakes St. Lawrence region alone accounts for over 50 per cent of Canada-U.S. trade and boasts a combined GDP of US$6 trillion. “Secure, functional borders in this region drive economic growth for both countries. 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.”

This news item prepared for National Newswatch