VANCOUVER, B.C. — The Boards of Directors of the Lower Mainland’s three gateway port authorities have ratified a report recommending the integration of the Vancouver, North Fraser and Fraser River port authorities into a single Canada Port Authority.

“The report confirms that integration of port activities in the Lower Mainland can enhance Canada’s competitiveness in the global trade environment, and is the most effective means of optimizing port planning, development and marketing,” said George Adam, chair of the Vancouver Port Authority.

The report was prepared by InterVISTAS Consulting and commissioned by the three port authorities after they were invited by Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities to discuss the issue with department officials.

“One of the most important aspects in looking at the case for integration has been to ensure we had the support of our stakeholders,” said Fraser River Port Authority chair Peter Podovinikoff. “The consultants interviewed many of our key stakeholders and it is apparent that the majority support integration.”

The group was tasked with finding ways for the Lower Mainland ports to explore opportunities that will allow them to become even more globally competitive and capture a larger share of growing Pacific trade volumes. The Boards of Directors of the three Port Authorities approved the report, which was subsequently forwarded to the Federal Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities for his review and action.

“An integrated authority was recognized as the best structure to capitalize on the strengths of the three ports,” added Doug Butterworth, chair of the North Fraser Port Authority. “Once the Minister has reviewed the report we will be sharing its findings with our stakeholders.”