Just this past week, Ontario's Minister of Transportation, Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, has introduced the province's first Marine Transportation Strategy, outlining a 10-year plan to expand the marine transportation network. This strategy aims to strengthen Ontario's marine transportation sector, which is crucial for moving goods efficiently and supporting the economy.
The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway system, spanning 3,700 kilometers, crucially connects Ontario to neighbouring regions, enhancing trade. Around 30% of goods at the Port of Montreal go to Ontario. Marine transportation significantly boosts Ontario's economy, moving 63 million tonnes of goods more cost-effectively, contributing $185 million to GDP, and supporting 2,235 jobs in 2022.
Ferry services are vital for urban and remote communities, providing essential services, including medical transport. Ontario supports 11 passenger ferry operations serving multiple routes, including an international one. Marine transportation is a major contributor to Ontario's travel and tourism, connecting people to key destinations.
The strategy is a living document, evolving based on stakeholder feedback, including input sessions, surveys, and advisory committees, to meet industry and Ontarian needs.
Ontario is actively pursuing growth in its marine sector. Initiatives include training shipbuilders and transitioning ferries to electric power. However, there's more work ahead. The Marine Transportation Strategy aims to address key trends and opportunities:
Skilled Workforce: With 43% of the marine workforce retiring in a decade, plans include raising job awareness, enhancing education and training access, and partnering with educational institutions.
Infrastructure: Improving existing infrastructure like ports, docks, railways, and roads is essential for competitiveness.
Multimodal Connection: Integrating marine and on-shore transportation is key for local access to tourism and job opportunities.
Environmental Sustainability: Green tech and alternative fuels are being explored to reduce emissions, leveraging the sector's fuel efficiency advantage over trucks.
The complete strategy, which can be downloaded here, outlines the 10-year vision to bolster Ontario's marine sector, informed by insights and feedback from industry experts and stakeholders. It's intended to be a flexible, continually evolving document, shaped by industry needs and the input of Ontarians. Collaboration with Indigenous partners is also a priority to respect their rights and perspectives. The marine sector is vital to Ontario's transportation network, and the province is committed to fostering leadership in marine transportation. Feedback on the proposed goals and actions is encouraged.
