In partnership with the Ontario government and industry stakeholders, the Ontario Marine Council will work to ensure Ontario’s marine economy realizes its full economic, environmental and social potential.
In partnership with the Ontario government and industry stakeholders, the Ontario Marine Council will work to ensure Ontario’s marine economy realizes its full economic, environmental and social potential.
GOAL 01
To support recommendations #105,106 and 107 of the Connecting the GGH: A Transportation Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe to:
#105
Develop an Ontario Marine Strategy, with private and public partners, to improve the performance and sustainability of the marine transport system.
#106
Explore opportunities to support additional marine freight in the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Seaway, in collaboration with the federal government and private sector partners.
#107
Continue to work with stakeholders and operators to support the recovery and growth of the passenger cruise ship industry. This includes working with the federal government to resolve regulatory issues related to operating cruises in the Great Lakes.
GOAL 02
To support a funded Ontario Marine Strategy that will maintain Ontario’s competitiveness with other jurisdictions on the Great Lakes. A comprehensive Ontario Marine Strategy should prioritize:
Despite the success of the marine industry in Ontario, we have yet to realize the full potential of our marine assets, lands and waterways. Ontario still lags behind global competitors in shipbuilding, short-sea shipping, marine tourism, multi-model connectivity and other important marine sectors.
Other jurisdictions successfully foster economic growth by promoting and helping the development of their marine industry, thus helping connect them with export opportunities and North American largest industrial hubs.
Ontario’s marine sector is underutilized. Ontario ports, shipyards, shipowners, and waterways have additional capacity to contribute to the Ontario economy.
The marine sector is a driving force behind reducing greenhouse gas emissions. One vessel transporting 30,000 tons of cargo represents 964 trucks off Ontario highways.
Each year, the marine sector in Ontario handles approximately 61.3 million metric tons of cargo. Most of these cargoes are bulk commodities serving major Ontario industries like iron ore and coal for steel making, aggregates and cement for construction materials and road building, grain for Ontario agribusinesses and export markets, de-icing salt for winter road safety, petroleum products for transportation and industrial uses plus a variety of other commodities and finished products.
Ontario’s marine sector supports over 70,000 jobs, both on ship and on shore.
The marine sector pays its fair share in taxes – helping to support the valuable programs the government of Ontario offers, through an industry contribution of approximately $1.9 billion in municipal, federal and provincial tax revenues.
The marine sector in Ontario contributes $10 billion in economic activity and $3.9 billion in annual income. The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Waterway connect markets within and between Ontario and the rest of North America and the world.
Marine can both complement and alleviate pressure on the existing transportation system through a cohesive multi-model network which will have broad economic and environmental benefits.