REINVENTING TRADITION: PORT OF QUÉBEC LAUNCHES FIRST ANNUAL CONFERENCE
From Here, We See Far Ahead: A new meeting to discuss the maritime and economic future
Québec City, January 15, 2026 – Today, the Port of Québec is launching its first Annual Conference: From Here, We See Far Ahead. This innovative event will be replacing the traditional gold-headed cane ceremony. This initiative reflects the Port’s desire to refresh its practices in order to better respond to current challenges, as well as its desire to engage players in a strategic conversation about the future of the maritime sector.
Far more than a simple symbolic gesture, this conference is an unprecedented forum for strategic dialogue where near 250 economic, institutional, and port leaders join a panel of experts to discuss the maritime sector’s role in regional competitiveness, supply chain logistics, and the economic factors that will shape the future.
A Watershed Moment for the Port and the Community
The event comes a year after Olga Farman took the helm as President and CEO of the Port of Québec, and is part of a drive to modernize the Port and strengthen dialogue with community.
With this first annuel conference, we’re creating a meeting that doesn’t just cover current events, but dives deep into important subjects to inspire action. It’s a watershed moment that rallies key players to align our economic, social, and environmental ambitions for the benefit of the community.
Why the Change?
The gold-headed cane has always been a strong tradition that pays tribute to the Port’s historic role as a gateway to the world. But in 2026, this role has expanded: ports are now strategic drivers of innovation, the energy transition, and sustainable prosperity. The conference embodies that shift and lays the groundwork for an inspiring annuel gathering that looks to both the past and the future to inspire collective action.
What’s more, for this first edition, the Port of Québec is welcoming a panel of influencial experts who each bring a unique perspective on the future of the maritime and economic sectors:
- Olga Farman, President and CEO of the Port of Québec
- Robert Bellisle, President and CEO of QSL
- Kim Thomassin, Executive Vice-President and Head of Québec at La Caisse
- Jean-Pierre Lessard, President and CEO of Aviseo
Their presentations will highlight lessons from 2025, address upcoming challenges, and explore avenues for making the maritime sector more competitive and resilient.
Securing the Port of Québec’s long-term future is essential to the economic vitality of our city, our region, and our country. Our role goes beyond logistics: we support competitiveness, the energy transition, and climate resilience. Together, we hope to chart a course that lets the Port remain a driver of sustainable prosperity for generations to come.
The Port of Québec is a strategic player in our economy and for the entire Québec logistics chain. Ranked fourth among Canada’s 17 port authorities in terms of revenue, it plays a key role in the vitality of our maritime sector. At QSL, we are pleased to support the Port in its projects, particularly the modernization of its infrastructure. We are convinced that this modernization, along with the development of the international container project, will create major opportunities for the region and for Québec as a whole.
Our presence in the region, particularly through our investments in QSL and Groupe Océan, demonstrates our commitment to supporting the vitality and growth of the maritime industry, a key sector for Québec’s economic development. This first annual conference of the Port of Québec is a great opportunity to strengthen our ties with industry players and highlight its strategic role.
The investment projects planned for the Port of Québec are an ideal response to our challenges of diversifying export markets and productivity. Both access to containerization, and infrastructure modernization represent an unmissable opportunity for Québec City and its region.
Honouring the Past, Looking to the Future
In addition to celebrating tradition, the conference pays tribute to those who built the maritime industry and whose boldness and perseverance shaped the Port and its ecosystem. This year, the conference honoured Ross Gaudreault, Denis Dupuis, and Gordon Bain, three remarkable figures whose vision, commitment, and leadership were fundamental to Québec’s port industry. Their legacy serves as a cornerstone and a springboard for a new chapter in the Port’s history – one focused on accelerated infrastructure renewal, stronger community relationships, and support for sustainable, innovative, and resilient growth that benefits our city, our region, and our businesses.
This first conference marks the beginning of an inspiring annual event that promises to become an invaluable rendez-vous for economic and maritime players in the region and the country as a whole.
About the Port of Québec
The Port of Québec is strategically located 1100 km from the Atlantic Ocean, close to the Great Lakes market. It is the last deepwater port in the St. Lawrence corridor, with a depth of 15 metres. This unique position allows Canadian companies to achieve significant economies of scale in both import and export trade.
With links to more than 40 partner countries, the Port of Québec and its employees handle an average of over 26 million tonnes of goods every year, representing a commercial value of over $15 billion.
The Port is also recognized as the leading cruise port on the St. Lawrence; along with all its partners in Québec’s maritime industry, it contributes to $2 billion in economic spin-offs while supporting some 12,000 jobs nationwide.
The Québec Port Authority (QPA) is ranked 4th out of the 17 Canadian port authorities in terms of revenue. While it is economically powerful, it is also known for its contributions to the area’s urban and social fabric thanks to port spaces like the Agora, the Baie de Beauport, the Oasis, La Cale, the Discoglace, and the Village Nordik.
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Source et information
Frédéric Lagacé
Director, Public Relations and communications
418 929-5031 | [email protected]