OTTAWA, Ont.–The Government of Canada is proposing regulations to facilitate industry relations, help ensure the efficient movement of containers, and promote the long-term stability of operations in the ports of Vancouver and Fraser River, in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland.

“Shippers and clients around the world need to know that the lower mainland ports are reliable. Today’s proposed regulations will improve the efficiency of these ports and maintain their excellent reputation worldwide,” said Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, who announced the initiative.

Under the proposed Regulations Amending the Port Authorities’ Operations Regulations, port authorities will have the legal obligation to establish a licensing system, set minimum conditions on licences, and ensure these conditions are respected.

The minimum conditions would be related to:
-the reservation system established or adopted by the port authority;
-the port authority’s requirements for the identification of trucks and other road transportation equipment, and the tracking and monitoring of these trucks and equipment as they move into, within, and out of the port; and
-any applicable law that governs rates of remuneration received by the owner-operator of a tractor covered by an authorization for the delivery, pick-up or movement of containers into or out of the port.

The proposed regulations would also reinforce the measures being established by the Vancouver Port Authority and Fraser River Port Authority to implement licensing regimes setting out conditions of entry that will improve efficiency at the ports, reduce wait times and increase the number of daily trips made by owner-operators.

The proposed regulations were published in the Canada Gazette Part I on April 20, 2006. A 30-day response period will follow, during which interested parties are invited to comment on the proposed regulations.