Sean Hanrahan

To see the port in your community you must look beyond the harbourview and to the business of ports. Canada's major ports are truly economic engines and gateways to trade.

Modern seaports have become critical nodes within a complex system of logistical and industrial centres. Many changes have taken place in the globalization of markets, production and consumption forcing ports to meet new challenges. Ports must be competitive in all they do to become 'ports of call' on international and domestic freight routes.

Founded in 1958 as the Canadian Port and Harbour Association, the Association of Canadian Port Authorities (ACPA) is an independent, not-for-profit Association. The Association groups together ports and harbours and related marine interests into one, national association. It represents all Canada Port Authorities, companies doing business in the marine sector and various government entities. The ACPA is the pre-eminent Association for the advocacy and advancement of the Canadian Port Industry. Association members contribute greatly to the local, regional and national economy of Canada.

The Association's objective is to encourage and stimulate the development of the Canadian port industry and to advance the vested interests of its members. The mission is accomplished through the development of programs that enhance and promote the business climate within the port community.

The ACPA has taken a lead role on a number of important public policy issues related to port business. To do this the Association has a very active Board of Directors who develop action plans from the directions provided by the members at its Annual General Meeting. In addition to this, the ACPA has a number of dedicated Committees that work diligently throughout the year on specific aspects of port operations.

The Government of Canada commercialized ports in 1998 with the introduction of the Canada Marine Act (CMA). As a result of that Act all major ports now operate on a commercial basis as Canada Port Authorities (CPA) in all regions of Canada. CPAs are financially self-sufficient deriving all their revenues from port operations, as required under the Canada Marine Act.

Canadian Port Authorities are commercially viable, self-sufficient business enterprises acting as 'gateways to trade' for the communities and regions they serve. Every year the goods loaded and off-loaded at Canadian Port Authorities across Canada exceed 280 million tonnes by volume. We are proud to be the 'first point of entry' for almost a third of all of Canada's international trade, handling $120 billion worth of goods annually. The national economic impact of this business activity exceeds $20 billion dollars. The direct and indirect Jobs created by Canadian Port Authorities exceed 250,000.

We welcome you to our website and thank you for your interest in the port community. Should you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us.

Sean Hanrahan
Chair
Association of Canadian Port Authorities