Québec Marine Transportation Policy - Transport - Gouvernement ...

A few years ago there were as many as 34 people directly involved in promoting the 6 main ports
of the Atlantic coast, 51 for the five main ports on the Pacific coast and 49 for 5 European ports
surveyed. In Canada, the port of Halifax has 3 representatives. The port of Vancouver alone has
15 representatives, 10 of which are in Asia. For the Saint-Laurent, the resources are limited to 1.5
representatives who work exclusively for the port of Montréal : one in Ontario and one in the
United States (who also represents the port of Vancouver).
In 1985, in response to the urgent need expressed by Congress and the Department of
Transportation, the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation 2 implemented a Trade
Mission Program as part of its development activities. Seaway authorities on the American side
of the border have conducted 25 trade missions to 35 different countries and 56 trade centres
across the world since 1985. In recent years the American Seaway has directed its efforts toward
specific areas. For instance, it has undertaken to educate shipbuilders on the need to build more
ocean-going vessels that can clear the locks on the Seaway.
The gouvernement du Québec must continue promoting the development of the shipping industry
through measures designed to increase maritime traffic on the Saint-Laurent. A partnership
between port authorities, ship owners and other partners from industrial, tourist and recreational
sectors is essential to promote the facilities currently in place on the Saint-Laurent. Partners in
the shipping industry must also strive to influence the perception of shippers with respect to the
cost-effectiveness of maritime transportation and the perception of the public as to the usefulness
and environmental safety of this mode of transportation.
The Saint-Laurent is a major asset for Québec. The Gouvernement du Québec must actively promote
the river worldwide.
2.6 Developing tourism on the Saint-Laurent 3
According to the Cruise Lines International
Association (CLIA), more than 7 million people took a
North American cruise in the year 2000. As at the end
of last year, 140,000 beds were available on 127 cruise
ships in this market segment. CLIA representatives
predict that between now and 2006 an additional 47
ships with 86,000 beds will be able to transport 3.9
million additional passengers, an increase of 55 %
over 2000. It is expected that for the next five years,
construction projects for cruise ships will be numerous.
Over US$15 billion will be invested.
2 The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation’s American counterpart.
3 For the purposes of this document, river tourism refers to international cruises, cruises on the Saint-Laurent and the
Great Lakes, excursion-style cruises and recreational boating.
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