Issue/Source: Continued operation of the St. Lawrence Seaway
Location: National
Date: February 2026
Suggested Responses
- On average, the St. Lawrence Seaway annually moves 37 million tons of cargo, contributes $46.8 billion in economic activity in Canada and the United States, supports over 240,000 jobs and stands as a symbol of what Canada and the United States can achieve when working together.
- A long-term agreement between Transport Canada and the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation was signed in March 2024, which provides stability for the marine supply chain and continued maintenance of a safe, secure and efficient transportation corridor.
- The Seaway's seasonal closure was delayed due to ice buildup in the locks and is scheduled to reopen on
March 22, 2026. The annual winter closure allows the Corporation to carry out needed maintenance and capital projects. - The Government of Canada remains committed to the Seaway’s long-term economic growth and sustainability, reinforcing Canada’s reputation as a reliable and strong trading partner.
Background Information
The Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Seaway (GLSLS) system is a strategic trade corridor that extends 3,700 kilometers inland from the Atlantic Ocean and serves more than 100 ports and commercial docks, including 15 major ports located in each of the eight Great Lakes states and the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. The GLSLS supports more than 241,286 Canadian and U.S. jobs (67,000 jobs in Ontario and 27,000 in Quebec) and generates $46.8 billion in economic activity in Canada and the U.S.
Under the Canada-U.S. agreement, the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation is responsible for operating and maintaining Seaway infrastructure and assets, including 13 locks and 39 bridges. The St. Lawrence Seaway is a
bi-national, deep-draft, inland waterway between Montreal and Lake Erie that consists of 15 locks and connecting channels in two sections:
- The Montreal – Lake Ontario section, which was built in 1959, includes five Canadian and two American locks that lift/lower vessels 68.8 meters (226 feet).
- The Welland Canal, which was built in 1932, includes eight Canadian locks that lift/lower vessels 99.4 meters (326 feet).
The Seaway and related infrastructure represent one third of Transport Canada’s asset portfolio. In 1998, the management of the Seaway was commercialized under the Canada Marine Act to enhance competitiveness and to promote a commercial approach to its operation. The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) was established by major users of the Seaway. The Corporation has managed, operated, and maintained the Seaway since 1998. A long-term agreement between Transport Canada and the SLSMC was signed in March 2024, which provides stability for the marine supply chain and continued maintenance of a safe, secure and efficient transportation corridor. The forecast statutory payment to the SLSMC in 2026-27 is $130.5 million. This is an increase of $15.25 million from 2025-26, which totaled $115.29 million, this is driven by increased expenditures related to maintaining, repairing and replacing Seaway assets.
The annual Seaway winter closing provides an opportunity to carry out needed maintenance and capital projects. At the same time, weather can hamper the ability for vessels to pass through the system. Specifically, in January 2026, the closure was delayed due to significantly cold temperatures where the Montreal-Lake Ontario section closed January 12, rather than January 5, and the Welland Canal section closed January 13, rather than January 10. The Seaway is scheduled to reopen on March 22, 2026.
Regardless of inclement weather, industry stakeholders continue to advocate for extensions and harmonized opening and closing dates, including a proposal from the American Great Lakes Ports Association to align Seaway closing dates with those of the Soo Locks in Michigan. The SLSMC has been successful in increasing the length of the navigation season over the past few years, including a five-year season extension pilot program in the Welland Canal. While some stakeholders have shown interest in a year‑round season, given the bi-national nature of the Seaway, winter operational costs, icebreaking needs, and maintenance requirements, significant work would be necessary to support any decision in that regard.