Transport committee  I'll try to keep this short. Certainly, there has been an issue of access to containers. I think the challenge is in making sure that those containers are in the right place for the right people at the right time. With all the congestion we're seeing, that's becoming increasingly difficult.

Transport committee  I'm sorry. It may have been my interpretation of your question. I will take 50% of the blame.

Transport committee  You're right. I don't think this is something that just appeared last year. It has been happening over the last decade. Companies that are operating trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic trade have been dealing with the effects of climate change for years. It may not have made the headlines, but the reality is that they have had to alter the way they manage their vessels.

Transport committee  The marine industry is regulated, first off, globally through the International Maritime Organization, which is an organization within the United Nations framework. The most positive sign is we see individual carriers now adopting measures that are more aggressive than those by a global regulator.

Transport committee  Thank you. I'll take a slightly different perspective. From a marine carrier perspective, it's actually the loss of the supply chain to climate change events. It's significant, because it has long-term consequences for the reputation of the resiliency of our supply chain. Yes, there have been lots of other things that have had huge impacts, but that one could be a lasting impact if we don't tackle it aggressively.

Transport committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. As you have heard, it's been a very challenging few years for supply chain partners, but Canada has successfully maintained international trade despite challenges posed by protests, the pandemic and climate change events. This was achieved through collaboration with labour, engagement across supply chain actors, and federal departments that were receptive and adaptive to the needs of industries.

Transport committee  I have a short response with regard to the consultation. Consultation does happen continuously. In having listened to departmental officials, yes, there has been dialogue over the last two years on a lot of different issues. I don't think any of us really saw that it was coming to a legislative amendment so quickly, or we probably would have focused our energy differently.

Transport committee  Good morning, Madam Chair and members of the committee. I appreciate the opportunity to offer observations and early recommendations that pertain to certain sections of the most recent budget bill tabled last week. The chamber has worked closely with government, coastal communities and other stakeholders on most aspects of the oceans protection plan, including critical work associated with protecting species at risk and the numerous conservation initiatives currently under way.

Finance committee  I'm going to turn it over to Bonnie, who has some good examples.

Finance committee  Thank you.

Finance committee  I think the—

Finance committee  Yes, absolutely, that port-like infrastructure and I guess the port can take on a lot of different looks. It may not look like the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, but certainly having infrastructure that manages what is essentially industrial activity is important, and I think there is some focusing in towards that.

Finance committee  To answer your question about how vessels manage all the pollution that they generate, both through industrial activity and through people, for the most part that's held on board, and what Canada is probably lacking is reception facilities to actually process that on-board waste.

Finance committee  I think the response could be as vast as the Arctic itself. I think the government's approach is looking towards focusing resources, whether that's research or actual physical resources, into corridors in the Arctic. This is a good strategy. It would be, I think, nearly impossible at the rate of change that's happening in the Arctic, economically, culturally, socially and with regard to climate, to try to address everything all at once, so the focusing of resources is essential in the Arctic.

Finance committee  Thanks, Mr. Kelly. I'll be more general in my response. In terms of the subject you have identified, these are Canadian cabotage laws. Under the Coasting Trade Act, any ship travelling between two Canadian ports must have either a Canadian flag with Canadian crew or an exemption under the act.