Issue/SOURCE: Continued operation of the St Lawrence Seaway
Date: June 2025
Suggested Responses
- 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.
- A modernized agreement with the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation was signed on March 31, 2024. The modernized agreement provides stability for the marine supply chain and continued maintenance of a safe, secure, and efficient transportation corridor.
- Last year, nearly 37 million tons of cargo moved through the St Lawrence Seaway between key Canadian and American ports.
- Under the agreement between the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation and Transport Canada, the Corporation is responsible for the operation of the Seaway and for maintaining Seaway infrastructure and other assets, including 13 locks and 39 bridges.
- Under the agreement, the Corporation’s financial requirements net of revenues are covered by the Government of Canada through a payment made under the authority of the Canada Marine Act.
- The $115.3 million identified in the Main Estimates is the forecast statutory payment to the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation in 2025-26. The increase from 2024-25 is driven by increased expenditures related to maintaining, repairing and replacing Seaway assets.
- The St Lawrence Seaway contributes to $46.8 billion in economic activity in Canada and U.S. It is critical to strengthening Canada’s competitive advantages and keeping maritime trade efficient and cost-effective.
- The Government of Canada is committed to strong supply chain, modernization of marine infrastructure, climate change, and strengthened relationships with Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
- This vital binational corridor supports marine shipping produces lower greenhouse gas emissions. The Seaway also supports 67,000 Ontario jobs and 27,000 Quebec jobs and a total of $10.3 billion in revenues is linked to the Seaway.
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 and generates $46.8 billion in economic activity in Canada and the U.S.
- 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 (MLO) section, which was built in 1959, includes 5 Canadian and 2 American locks that lift/lower vessels 68.8 meters (226 feet).
- The Welland Canal, which was built in 1932, includes 8 Canadian locks that lift/lower vessels 99.4 meters (326 feet).
- In 1998, the management of the Seaway was commercialized under the Canada Marine Act (CMA) 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.
- The 13 locks, 39 bridges, tunnels, land and canals managed by the SLSMC on behalf of the Government of Canada represent 1/3 of TC’s asset portfolio.