Port of Québec designated as first port of arrival for international marine containers

The federal government says the Port of Québec will be designated a first port of arrival capable of receiving international marine containers, a move Ottawa says will help diversify trade and strengthen supply chains.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, through Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement Minister Joël Lightbound, said the designation will support Canadian importers, exporters and investors while boosting the port’s role in international trade.

The Canada Border Services Agency is working with the Québec Port Authority and terminal operator QSL to meet conditions related to designation, licensing and container examination facilities. The agency said it will provide the port with detection technology and border services officers required to support first port of arrival operations.

The federal government said the designation is part of broader efforts to build more resilient trade infrastructure and reduce vulnerabilities in Canada’s supply chains.

“This designation as a port capable of receiving international marine containers represents a major step forward for the Port of Québec and for the entire Quebec and Canadian logistics chain,” said Olga Farman, CEO of the Québec Port Authority. “It strengthens our ability to efficiently connect markets, diversify trade, and provide local businesses with competitive, reliable and secure solutions. It is also a testament to collective efforts with our partners and a clear commitment to positioning Québec as a strategic hub serving the Quebec and Canadian economies.”