A PORT EVOLVING WITH ITS TIME

The Port of Québec recently reached a milestone. It’s an endeavour that requires deliberate actions and, above all, one that wasn’t built overnight. It’s also part of a thoughtful journey, one rooted in our history and definitely aimed at the future.

For nearly 400 years, the Port of Québec has been evolving alongside the city and the people who call it home. It has been transformed with shifting operational needs, contexts, and economic realities, while remaining true to its core purpose: contributing in a concrete and responsible way to the vitality of Québec, its greater region, and the Canadian economy. This ability to adapt, this commitment to move forward with clarity, is an integral part of our identity.

The recently announced designation is precisely in line with the philosophy. It is the culmination of a structured, collaborative effort initiated over two years ago, and carried out in partnership with the relevant authorities and with full consideration of the realities specific to our environment.

The landscape in which we operate has changed profoundly. Global supply chains are today more fragile, more concentrated, and more exposed to economic, geopolitical, and climatic shocks. The ensuing impact is felt collectively, whether in terms of access to certain essential goods or economic stability.

In this context, the Government of Canada has made a clear choice: diversify points of entry, strengthen the resilience of supply chains and support a greater economic sovereignty. This is the rationale behind the designation of the Port of Québec. It recognizes the role we can play in contributing to a more resilient economy, here and across the country.

Our new designation not only requires rigorous work, but also a shared understanding of the responsibilities that arise with any development of port activities close to living environments. The concerns expressed by citizens and various groups over the past few years are legitimate. They are related to the environment, the quality of life and the mix of uses, and they will continue to be taken into account dutifully, thoroughly, and transparently.

Dialogue with the community is not an afterthought: it is at the heart of how we operate.

Let’s be clear: the Port of Québec will not pursue a project of the scale of Laurentia. This is a thing of the past. The river won’t be impacted, and there won’t be any oversized of hasty undertakings. Our new designation comes with a set of restrictions. It requires detailed analyses, strict processes and informed decision-making.

What the federal government recognizes with this designation is our modernization efforts, our ability to evolve while respecting our environment and our surroundings, and the credibility of our approach.

By joining the select group of international container ports in Canada, Québec is reaching an important milestone. This collective recognition will bring tangible benefits: creating value, supporting sustainable, specialized jobs, attracting higher value-added economic activities, and strengthening the Port’s role as an economic driver.

By developing our capabilities in a gradual and consistent way, we will bring supply chains closer to local businesses, reduce certain dependencies and support a more efficient and resilient regional economy.

Above all, this designation marks a starting point. It is a starting point for a rigorous assessment process, defined by clear obligations, in-depth analyses, and formal dialogue mechanisms with stakeholders, including impacted citizens and groups.

As CEO, I envision this new phase with conviction and humility, guided by the desire to develop the Port of Québec responsibly, in constant dialogue with its community.

– Olga Farman