This Act aims at improving the competitiveness of Canadian ports, providing for the establishment of port authorities and the divesting of certain harbours and ports authorities, and commercialising the St. Lawrence Seaway and ferry services. Furthermore, Section 4 establishes among others, a National Marine Policy providing Canada with the necessary infrastructures providing effective support for the achievement of local, regional and national social and economic objectives. Part 1 relating to port authorities establishes that the Harbour Commission is to be continued. Part 2 covers public ports and establishes, inter alia, that the Governor in Council may, by regulation: a) designate as a public port any navigable waters within the jurisdiction of Parliament, including any foreshore; b) define the limits of a public port; and c) designate any port facility under the administration of the Minister as a public port facility. The objectives of Part 3 are, inter alia, to promote a commercial approach to the operation of the Seaway, to protect the integrity of the Seaway, and the rights and interests of communities adjacent to the Seaway. The Act consists of 279 sections.
Canada · 1998-06-11