Transport minister calls for faster project timelines
Canada needs faster timelines for the projects that support national trade, according to Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon.
MacKinnon made the comments during a Saint John Chamber of Commerce luncheon, where he said the country must modernize how goods move through ports and supply chains.
He explained that digital systems and quicker approvals are needed to keep trade moving efficiently.
“We need to make that a paperless, contactless, frictionless system so that we become known as an easy place to ship to and to ship from,” MacKinnon said.
He added that major transportation projects need shorter timelines so companies can move goods more easily.
MacKinnon said Canada has fallen behind on productivity in the transport sector and that many facilities across the country need upgrades.
He also said customs and trade processes take too long and must shift to digital tools to reduce delays.
The minister told the crowd that Canada needs to expand exports beyond the United States and strengthen links to Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
He said the federal goal is to double non‑U.S. exports and that Atlantic Canada will play a key role in reaching new markets.
“We’re the second biggest landmass in the world,” he said.
“We need to be the first best at moving goods from east to west.”
MacKinnon pointed to recent public and private investment at Port Saint John as an example of how improved infrastructure can support national trade.
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MacKinnon said the region holds strategic value for moving goods and will need more inland logistics development as the port grows.
He also spoke about labour stability, regulatory delays and long approval processes, saying those issues have affected Canada’s competitiveness.
He said the federal government plans to work with provinces, municipalities and industry partners to speed up infrastructure development while meeting environmental and Indigenous requirements.
MacKinnon ended his remarks by encouraging New Brunswickers to continue building on recent economic momentum.
He said the province has made progress and should approach future opportunities with confidence.
