Pacific Region

The Pacific Region is home to the largest nexus of international trade infrastructure in Canada, including Canada’s busiest marine port and second busiest airport, which offer some of the shortest and most competitive ocean and air routes between Asia and North America.

The four Canadian Port Authorities (CPAs) in the Region — Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Prince Rupert, and Vancouver, handle close to 180 million tonnes of cargo — over half of the total shipping volumes from all CPAs. The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority operates the Port of Vancouver at arms-length from the federal government and makes its own operational decisions. It is the largest port in Canada, handling 150 million tonnes of cargo in 2023 —  a 6% increase over 2022. The  port  handles about 1 out of every 3 dollars of Canadian trade to outside of North America. 

B.C.’s rail network is central to Canada’s economy and trade network, particularly in facilitating the movement of bulk commodities from prairie provinces to the west coast for export. The Region has three Class I railways (Canadian National, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, and BNSF Railway) and four passenger rail services (Amtrak, Rocky Mountaineer, VIA Rail, and West Coast Express) that operate on over 6,300 kilometres of track through challenging geotechnical terrain.

The region is home to four airports that are part of the National Airports System: Kelowna, Prince George, Vancouver International Airport (YVR), and Victoria International Airport. YVR, the largest airport, is a significant mover of passengers and a key cog in the supply chain system. In 2023, YVR facilitated the movement of 24.9 million passengers (which represents a 95% recovery of the pre-pandemic total in 2019) and 319,000 tonnes of cargo. YVR is served by 52 airlines, connecting passengers to 111 destinations. The Transport Canada-owned Victoria Harbour Water Airport is also unique for its complex operations and is the busiest of five water airports in Canada.

Communities along BC’s expansive coastline are served by several unique operators. Harbour Air is one of the world’s largest scheduled floatplane operators, a pioneer in electric seaplane technology and serves over 500,000 passengers a year to 12 destinations. Helijet is recognized as Canada’s largest passenger helicopter airlines, serving four destinations between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. BC Ferries is synonymous with the region and is one of the world's largest passenger and vehicle ferry operations, with 37 vessels moving over 22 million passengers to 30 coastal destinations.  

Indigenous Profile

With more than 200 distinct Indigenous communities in BC, the province is home to the second-largest Indigenous population in Canada. Approximately 86% of the 200+ First Nations are not covered under modern or historic treaties. Notably, only approximately 4% are covered by modern treaties. Thirty Indigenous languages are spoken, with more than 60 unique dialects. Highly engaged coastal Indigenous groups take a strong interest in, and have high expectations for, marine safety and ocean protection.

Martin McKay

Regional Director General, Pacific Region

Bio

Transport Canada provides a range of programs and services in the region through its offices in Vancouver and through its network of Transport Canada Centres throughout the region.

Regional Director General, Pacific Region: Martin McKay

Number of employees: 523

  • 523 employees reporting to Pacific Region

  • 698 total employees working in Pacific Region, including those reporting to other TC regions

Offices: Ten offices throughout British Columbia.

  • Regional Headquarters in Vancouver
  • Nine offices throughout the Region:
    • Abbotsford;
    • Kelowna;
    • Nanaimo;
    • Prince George;
    • Prince Rupert;
    • Surrey;
    • Victoria;
    • Sidney; and
    • Vancouver International Airport

Transport Canada owned assets in BC:

  • Four Transport Canada (TC) owned and operated airports:

    • Penticton;

    • Port Hardy;

    • K’il Kun Xidgwangs Daanaay (kill-koon, hit-gwans, daah-naii) (formerly Sandspit);

    • Victoria Harbour ; and

  •  Eight small-size public port facilities that do not handle any of Canada's trade agenda :

    • Bamfield West

    • Bella Bella

    • False Bay

    • Klemtu

    • Kyuquot

    • Rivers Inlet (Owikeno)

    • Kingcome Inlet

    • `Quatsino
  • *The Pacific Region also manages the Transport Canada-owned Fort Chipewyan public port facility in northern Alberta.