The St. Lawrence Seaway is a critically important trade corridor for key bulk commodities used across Canada and the United States. Nearly 38 million tonnes of cargo moved through the Seaway in 2023. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting this binational waterway's long-term economic growth and sustainability and reinforcing Canada's reputation as a reliable and strong trading partner.
Today, the Minister of Transport, Pablo Rodriguez, and Terence Bowles, President and CEO of the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, announced that they signed an agreement for the Corporation-a not-for-profit organization-to continue managing, maintaining, and operating the Seaway, which it has done since 1998.
This stronger, more modern agreement is one that is in the best interest of Canadians. It includes:
- Continued maintenance of a safe, secure, and efficient transportation channel to foster bilateral cooperation, long-term economic development and support fluid and resilient supply chains
- Enhanced governance mechanisms to ensure the Seaway provides the best value for Canadians and continues to deliver as a transportation corridor of strategic importance
- Modernized measures to strengthen relationships with Indigenous Peoples and local communities and improve climate change responsiveness and accountability
Under this new agreement, the Government of Canada and the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation will continue working together to ensure the Seaway remains a reliable and efficient transportation corridor for domestic and international shipping.
Continuing to invest in a safe, secure, and efficient Seaway will support Canada's economic health and security and help maintain fluid and resilient global and North American supply chains.
