Canada’s largest ports are hindering Prime Minister Mark Carney’s goal to double exports to non-U.S. jurisdictions by 2035, due to political indifference, bureaucratic delays, and labour disruptions, according to a recent analysis. The country’s port inefficiencies are prompting key industries to invest in U.S. facilities instead.
Canada’s Port Inefficiencies
Transport Canada’s assessment indicates that Canadian ports are “managed primarily in favour of importers and containerized exports are a secondary consideration.” The Montreal Economic Institute reported that Ottawa’s restrictions on automation are restraining port modernization and efficiency. RBC suggests Canada’s ports are “among the least efficient in the industrialized world,” posing a significant economic risk in 2026.
Despite efforts by Mr. Carney to secure new export markets, the inability to efficiently move goods through Canadian ports threatens to divert business to competitors, particularly in the United States.
Port Rankings and Productivity
The World Bank regularly ranks container port productivity, and Canadian ports lag behind global standards. The Port of Vancouver, handling roughly $800-million in goods daily, ranks 389th out of 403 ports. The Port of Prince Rupert ranks 362nd, and the Port of Montreal, moving about $400-million in goods daily, is 344th. In comparison, Cartagena’s Port in Colombia ranks 46th.
American ports, such as Seattle, New York-New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia and Long Beach, Calif., all demonstrate greater efficiency. The Port of Halifax is a Canadian exception, ranking 55th.
Potash Export Concerns
Canada is a major potash producer, generating a third of global production volume. While the primary export market is the United States, there is potential for expansion into China, India, Indonesia, South Korea, and Malaysia – aligning with Mr. Carney’s export goals.
However, Nutrien, a major potash miner, recently announced a $1-billion investment in the Port of Longview, Wash., citing rail bottlenecks, labour disruptions, higher costs, and aging infrastructure in Canadian ports. This decision could result in half of Nutrien’s potash production being shipped through the U.S. by 2031.
BHP, a mining company developing the Jansen Potash project in Saskatchewan, recently discussed with Mr. Carney how Canada could “continue to attract long-term investment,” with a focus on improving British Columbia’s ports. BHP has already invested $23-billion in Canadian mining.
Government Action and Future Outlook
The federal government has the authority to fast-track project approvals through Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act. The ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert should be prioritized for improvements and upgrades to enhance competitiveness.
The current state of Canada’s major ports is not only embarrassing but represents a level of indifference that Mr. Carney and Canadians can no longer accept.
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