Expanding CBSA container services to Great Lakes ports could generate millions, study finds

A new report commissioned by the Chamber of Marine Commerce says expanding Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) container inspection services to six inland ports along the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway could generate tens of millions of dollars in economic benefits and pay for itself within months.

The study by Quebec-based Aviseo Conseil, titled Unlocking the Potential of the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway System, examined the impact of upgrading CBSA services at marine facilities in Quebec City, Hamilton, Valleyfield, Windsor, Goderich and Picton.

Currently, the CBSA only clears marine containers at five coastal ports — Halifax, Saint John, Montreal, Prince Rupert and Vancouver — limiting supply chain flexibility and regional development, the report said.

Designating the six Great Lakes ports as “ports of first arrival” could add $132.4 million in annual business income across Ontario and Quebec, and generate $79.1 million in new federal tax revenue, according to the study.

Individual port gains include $59 million in new business income for Quebec City, $26.4 million for Picton, and $25.9 million for Windsor, where upgrades would support the growing electric vehicle battery sector.

The report argues the expansion would also relieve pressure on congested coastal gateways, cut truck emissions and align with federal priorities on trade diversification, infrastructure efficiency and climate action.

“We now have clear information that proves the significant economic benefits that could be realized if the CBSA were to evolve from being gatekeeper to becoming a facilitator of trade,” said Maguessa Morel-Laforce, the Chamber’s director of government and stakeholder relations. “Doing so would create tens of millions of dollars in benefits across provinces while paying back any investment almost immediately.”

The Chamber says enhancing CBSA services would connect inland communities to global markets and strengthen Canada’s overall economic resilience.

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