VANCOUVER, B.C. — After announcing proposed regulation changes in April, the federal government officially enacted new regulations aimed at stabilizing trucking operations at B.C.s Lower Mainland ports.

Under the new regulations, the Vancouver and Fraser River port authorities must, by law, establish a licensing system, set minimum conditions on licences and ensure these conditions are respected.

“These new regulations will help to ensure the long-term reliability of Lower Mainland ports for shippers and clients worldwide,” said Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Lawrence Cannon. “We are taking action to ensure that the port licensing system is maintained and remains effective.”

The Regulations Amending the Port Authorities Operations Regulations reinforce measures established by the Vancouver and Fraser River port authorities by setting out conditions of entry through licensing. These measures aim to improve efficiency, reduce wait times and increase the number of daily trips made by owner/operators.

Transport Canada has completed its review of the comments received during the 30-day consultation period that followed the pre-publication of the regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part I.

The new regulations were published yesterday in the Canada Gazette, Part II and come into force immediately.

“The ports in Vancouver are vital for the local and national economies and represent a key part of our Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative, so we need to ensure they can run as seamlessly as possible,” added Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway David Emerson. “With these regulations in place, B.C.s ports will become an increasingly attractive destination for exporters from Asia and around the world.”