Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon marked World Maritime Day on September 24, 2026, with a statement on cleaner shipping and the ports that move Canadian goods. The year’s theme is “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.” The rail project announced the same week in Alberta is in the Calgary–Edmonton high-speed line.
What he said the theme means
MacKinnon treated the 2026–27 theme as a demand for enforcement and technical help, not another communiqué. The test he named is whether ships calling at Canadian ports are cleaner and whether the ports can still move the cargo. Worker training on the rail side of the same department is in the new railway training rules.
The ports he named
- The Contrecœur terminal expansion at the Port of Montreal.
- Modernization at the Port of Vancouver for larger ships.
- Upgrades at the Port of Prince Rupert.
- Digital systems for port operations.
- Charging for short-sea vessels.
The public mark
Canada’s coastline is the longest in the world, which is the fact MacKinnon used to argue that marine transport is not a niche. Landmarks including the CN Tower were lit blue. His line in the statement was: “Our goal is to ensure that our maritime sector remains a global leader, providing high-quality jobs and sustainable solutions for the future of trade.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the 2026–27 theme?
“From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.”
Why does the statement dwell on the coastline?
Canada has the world’s longest coastline, and most export cargo still moves by ship.
Which ports did he name?
Vancouver, Prince Rupert, and Contrecœur at Montreal.
