September 11, 2009
The Association of Canadian Port Authorities says it is working with governments and other stakeholders to ensure that Canada’s national port system is prepared to handle growing trade once the current economic downturn is over.
“The ACPA has always advocated for a strong national port system and it is clear that the current economic downturn presents an opportunity for Canada’s ports and their respective partners to invest in infrastructure and technology to be ready when global trade begins trending upwards,” said Tim Heney, president and CEO of the Thunder Bay Port Authority and ACPA chair.
Mr. Heney was elected ACPA chair at the association’s 51st annual meeting held recently in Prince Rupert, B.C.
“The ACPA has made it a priority to convince governments and other stakeholders of the need to invest in port-related infrastructure and of the necessity to provide the requisite funding for such investment,” Mr. Heney said. He added that Canada depends on trade for more than 40 per cent of its GDP and that without the necessary landside links to important supply chains, Canada will not be ready to handle global trade and commerce over the long term.
Mr. Heney also noted that more than 90 per cent of Canada’s international trade, other than that with the U.S., moves by the marine mode.
He said ACPA was pleased by recent federal government announcements for funding of important port-related projects across the country.
“This year’s 51st annual conference addressed critical issues such as infrastructure capacity, growing trade trends, current economic trends, and more,” Mr. Heney said. “The association continues to bring the entire marine community together and help unify the marine agenda for the benefit of Canadians.”
Mr. Heney took over as chair from Gaétan Boivin, president and CEO of the Trois-Rivières Port Authority. Other members of the executive are vice-chair Brad Madelung, president and CEO, Port Alberni Port Authority; treasurer Ralph Seely, vice-president, finance, Saint John Port Authority; corporate secretary Tony Boemi, vice-president, growth and development, Montreal Port Authority; and Mr. Boivin.
Elected directors are Sean Hanrahan, president and CEO, St. John’s Port Authority; Alain Bouchard, CEO, Saguenay Port Authority; Bruce Wood,
president and CEO, Hamilton Port Authority; Robin Silvester, president and CEO,
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority; Ken Browne, president and CEO, Argentia
Management Corporation, representing associate members; and Anthony
MacGuinness, president and CEO, Atlantic Pilotage Authority, representing affiliate members.
Next year, the association’s 52nd annual meeting and conference will take place in St. John’s from July 31 to Aug. 4 and be hosted by the St. John’s Port Authority.