Statement by the Canadian Chamber on the U.S. FMC decision to proceed with an investigation of Canadian Ports

Ottawa, October 5 - Today, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), a U.S. agency that regulates ocean bound shipping decided to start the process of launching an investigation into the “diversion” of U.S. cargo through Canadian ports.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement:

The Commission has a major task to examine the administration and impact of the US Harbor Maintenance Tax. This is a domestic US issue, and should remain one. Canadian ports and users are required to pay the full cost of the infrastructure they use. The Canadian Chamber will oppose any protectionist measures that will penalise Canadian ports, railways and all cargo carriers and make North America’s freight system more costly.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the vital connection between business and the federal government. It helps shape public policy and decision-making to the benefit of businesses, communities and families across Canada with a network of over 420 chambers of commerce and boards of trade, representing 192,000 businesses of all sizes in all sectors of the economy and in all regions. News and information are available at www.chamber.ca or follow us on Twitter @CdnChamberofCom.

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Contact:
Émilie S. Potvin
Director, Public Affairs & Media Relations
Office: 613.238.4000 (231)
Cell.: 613.797.1860
epotvin@chamber.ca