Canada Unveils Transport Reforms to Cut Reliance on US Trade

Canada's government introduced legislation on September 21, 2026 aimed at accelerating project approvals and diversifying trade away from the United States, Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said. The bill targets federal reviews completed within one year. The reforms designate "national trade corridors" with performance metrics, overhaul port governance to attract private investment, and ease approvals for lower-risk infrastructure such as small bridges and rail links. Measures focus on moving western Canadian energy, food, and critical minerals to Pacific ports in Vancouver and Prince Rupert. MacKinnon also cited the underutilized St. Lawrence Seaway for expanding European trade, new container facilities in Hamilton, Ontario, and potential shipping growth at Churchill, Manitoba, on Hudson Bay. The legislation still requires parliamentary passage.