Ottawa, December 22, 2011 - Today, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce submitted its response to the Notice of Inquiry (NOI) issued by the Federal Maritime Commission, a U.S. agency that regulates ocean bound shipping.

In its call for submissions, the Federal Maritime Commission stated that there has been an increase in the amount of United States-destined cargo moving through certain Canadian and Mexican ports. The NOI also linked this alleged shift to investments in and promotion of Canadian ports and intermodal rail infrastructure.  

“We assert that cargo is not being “diverted” away from U.S. ports, any more than Canada-destined cargo shipped through U.S. ports is “diverted” from Canada,” said Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. He added: “Shippers, like other businesses, make choices based on market conditions. They must manage risks and be able to choose the most efficient way to move their cargo.

Canada and the U.S. have a long history of close cooperation on security and trade. Both governments have repeatedly recognized the need to strengthen the competitiveness of the North American market. “Accusations concerning the “diversion” of cargo to other ports represent a thinly veiled attempt to benefit selected parties at the expense of North American consumers and businesses as a whole,” said Beatty. Efforts to artificially “balance” trade flows by introducing restrictive measures would hinder our competitiveness and increase costs to North American businesses and consumers.

Canada recognizes the value of open and fair markets for moving cargo. We believe our practices can serve as a good model for other jurisdictions and are certainly prepared to compete on that basis. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce strongly urges the Federal Maritime Commission to reject protectionist measures in favour of the benefits of free and open trade.

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 Chamber.ca or follow us on Twitter @CdnChamberofCom.

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Contact:

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