- Prime Minister Mark Carney toured Global Container Terminals' Deltaport facility in Delta, B.C., and expressed his support for the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 expansion, stating that the current capacity will not be sufficient within a decade.
- Carney emphasized that expanding port capacity and connected infrastructure would strengthen Canadian independence, diversify the economy, and shift exports away from the U.S.
- Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon announced that Ottawa is referring the expansion plan to Canada's Major Projects Office for possible fast-tracking.
- Environmentalists have opposed the Roberts Bank expansion for years, citing threats to the habitat of endangered southern resident killer whales.
- The Roberts Bank Terminal 2 expansion project includes a proposal for a new three-berth terminal that would increase the port's container capacity by 50 percent, enabling $100 billion in new trade capacity annually.
- Carney stated that the federal government is looking to invest about $10 billion to help expand the port, which is expected to create over 17,000 jobs in operations and 18,000 jobs during construction.
- Carney mentioned that the government is collaborating with local First Nations to ensure they share in the economic benefits and that environmental protections are in place.
- The Major Projects Office will immediately start consulting with Indigenous communities regarding the expansion plan.
- Alberta's West Coast oil pipeline proposal, which would terminate at Roberts Bank, is also being considered as part of the port expansion plan.
Prime Minister Mark Carney recently toured the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 in Vancouver, advocating for its expansion to enhance Canada's economic independence and resilience. He stated, “When you look at the capacity of the Port of Vancouver, it’s bigger than the capacity of the next five biggest ports in Canada combined,” but warned that it will not suffice in the coming decade.12
The proposed expansion includes a new three-berth terminal, which would boost container capacity by 50% and enable $100 billion in new trade capacity annually. Carney highlighted that the federal government plans to invest over $10 billion in the project, which is expected to create over 35,000 jobs—18,000 in construction and 17,000 full-time positions in operations.67
Carney emphasized the need for Canada to diversify its trade, moving exports away from the United States and increasing ties with Asian markets. He noted, “Canada must expand port capacity and connected infrastructure if the country is to become stronger, more independent, more diversified.”3
However, the expansion faces opposition from environmentalists concerned about its impact on endangered species, including the southern resident killer whales. Carney assured that the government is collaborating with local First Nations to ensure economic benefits and environmental protections are prioritized. The Major Projects Office will consult with Indigenous communities as part of the expansion process.4589
Additionally, the project is linked to Alberta's West Coast oil pipeline proposal, which would terminate at Roberts Bank, further integrating energy and trade infrastructure in the region.10
“The proposed three-berth Roberts Bank Terminal 2 would lift container capacity by 50%, enabling $100 billion in new annual trade capacity, according to Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon. Carney says Ottawa is looking to invest more than $10 billion, grow exports away from the U.S. by over 50%, and create over 17,000 full-time operating jobs.”
The Globe and Mail
