Canada's major commercial ports were restructured in 1983 with the adoption of the Canada Ports Corporation Act dealing with the major commercial ports but not addressing the institutional structure of other public ports. Over time, competitive forces created pressure to reform Canadian ports. A review of Canadian ports began in 1993 and was augmented in 1995 with hearings held by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport. Based partly on this input, the Minister issued a white paper on ports, entitled National Marine Policy in late 1995 followed by the introduction of the proposed Canada Marine Act in June 1996. Port reform around the world followed the dictates of neo-liberal economics with less government involvement in commercial activities. Canadian port reform reflects this shift to the neo-liberal right, the slower pace of reform contrasts to the more rapid steps taken in New Zealand and Britain. (A)
Abstract