Resources for local government elected officials
We are pleased to provide general information about the Port of Vancouver and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority for local government elected officials.
About the Port of Vancouver
The Port of Vancouver is Canada’s largest port, a dynamic gateway for domestic and international trade and cruise tourism, and a major economic asset that strengthens the Canadian economy.
Some key facts about the Port of Vancouver:
- It is the country’s gateway to more than 170 countries
- About $1 of every $3 of Canada’s trade in goods outside of North America moves through the port
- Approximately $305 billion in goods is traded through the port annually
- Port activities sustain 115,300 jobs and $7 billion in wages in Canada
- Port activities contribute $11.9 billion in GDP across Canada
About the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is the federal agency responsible for the stewardship of the lands and waters that make up the Port of Vancouver. Our vision is for the Port of Vancouver to be the world’s most sustainable port, one that delivers economic prosperity through trade, maintains a healthy environment, and enables thriving communities.
As a Canada Port Authority operating under the Canada Marine Act, we are accountable to the federal minister of transport with a mandate to responsibly facilitate Canada’s trade through the Port of Vancouver. We work together with port terminals and tenants to ensure the efficient and reliable movement of goods and passengers.
To realize our mandate and vision, we plan and prepare for the future of trade, and are involved in activities including:
- Land management
- Climate action
- Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program
- Sustainability initiatives
- Gateway infrastructure development
- Terminal expansion
- Project and environmental review
- Long-term planning
The port and your community
The federal lands and waters we oversee border 16 Lower Mainland municipalities and intersect the traditional territories and treaty lands of several Coast Salish First Nations.
For local communities, the Port of Vancouver is a significant generator of employment and economic activity. Trade through the port connects local businesses and consumers with the products that they use every day and enables local exporters to sell their goods to global markets.
The port authority collaborates with communities, government and industry on infrastructure projects that enhance the movement of trade-related cargo through the Vancouver gateway helping to improve community safety, reduce transportation bottlenecks and improve trade efficiency.
In addition, we contribute to strong and vibrant communities on initiatives such as our community investment program and events at Canada Place and in the community.
If you have any questions about the port or the port authority, please contact Naomi Horsford, Municipal Executive Liaison.