Canadian Ports – Building for the Future

SAINT JOHN, NB — With the announcement of the Ports Modernization Review by Transport Canada in March of this year, the national port system and its 18 Canada Port Authorities find themselves at an important point in their evolution with regards to their operations, how they do business, their relationships with the federal government, their communities and First Nations people. This year’s 60^th annual conference will tackle many important topics addressed in the review through engaging keynote speakers and panelists from around the world.The review comes at an opportune time as the world of marine transport and supply chain logistics continues to evolve at a break neck pace. Key decisions will be made over the next year that will continue to improve Canada’s capabilities as a trading nation and Canada’s ports look forward to being important players in developing the best way to get there.Canada’s 18 Port Authorities are more than just key connection points on rapidly developing transport corridors — they shape and define the economic development and diversity of their cities and their regions.  They create good jobs, are the stable foundations of a thriving middle class and will be instrumental in all future trade deals. Fittingly, “Building for the Future” will be the theme of the 60^th Diamond Anniversary annual conference of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities, happening September 10^th to 13^th in Saint John New Brunswick.“On behalf of my Board and our team at Port Saint John, we are pleased to be hosting our national ports association at Canada’s third busiest, where together with our stakeholders and community, we are building for the future”, says Jim Quinn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Port Saint John. “The timing of this conference is perfect to showcase both our $205 million modernization project of our West Side multiple purpose cargo terminal, and our position as one of Canada’s premier cruise destinations.”In Saint John, delegates will hear from speakers about “ports of the future” and how we get there, with an emphasis on economic, environmental and social themes as they relate to Canada's ports and shipping community.  Sessions of note include “Port City, Lucky City”, “Developing Resilient Ports in the Face of Climate Change”, “Ports Role in a Sustainable Future” and “Increasing Canada’s Market Share in the Cruise Sector”.Delegates will also get to experience the 3^rd largest port in Canada by volume, and down-home Maritime hospitality.“ACPA is excited to be bringing in some of the best minds in the marine industry together to tackle cutting edge topics facing the port industry today,” says Wendy Zatylny, President of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities.Follow the Association of Canadian Port Authorities Annual Conference on Twitter @ACPA_AAPC #ACPA2018. For more information, please visit www.acpa2018.ca.

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For more information, please contact:Mike PitreManger, CommunicationsAssociation of Canadian Port AuthoritiesCell: (613)-407-7486Office: (613) 232-2036 x203Email: mpitre@acpa-port.netwww.acpa-ports.netAbout the Association of Canadian Port Authorities Founded in 1958, the Association of Canadian Port Authorities brings together 18 ports and related marine interests into one national association. As the leading Association for the advocacy and advancement of Canada’s port industry — representing all Canadian Port Authorities, various government entities and companies doing business in the marine sector — ACPA is the champion for Canadian ports in matters related to government policy, trade, competitiveness and public awareness in order to improve sustainable transportation. ACPA members contribute significantly to the local, regional and national economy of Canada, responsible for nearly a quarter of a million direct and indirect jobs, have donated more than $22 million to their local communities (2010-2014), receive more than 1.3 million cruise ship passengers and contributing over $53 billion in total economic activity.