Ashley Hughes is truck driver for Gat Leedm Logistics in Prince Rupert.
Through the ups and downs of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Port of Prince Rupert has demonstrated the critical role it plays in Canada’s economic prosperity.
While other ports on the west coast have been stricken by supply chain gridlock, the Port of Prince Rupert and the transportation corridor that supports it have remained resilient. A record $60 billion worth of trade flowed through the Port of Prince Rupert last year, solidifying its position as the third largest port in Canada by value of trade.
Over the past decade, the movement of goods through the Prince Rupert Gateway and employment in port-related industries that support it have more than doubled. This growth is a testament to the 3,700 people working directly in trucking and logistics, rail, marine and terminal operations, as well as the 2,400 others employed in businesses that service and support the Port industries, earning more than $530 million in wages each year to support their local economies. Port expansion has also contributed to growth in government taxation revenues, totaling over $145 million annually.
John Nicoletti is a Dangerous Goods Officer for CN in Prince George.
The Gateway workforce’s skills and dedication are contributing to the ever-growing reputation of the Port of Prince Rupert and northern B.C. as the most innovative and competitive trade gateway in North America. In 2020, they continued to provide the critical link between global markets and both Canada’s urban centres and its resource-rich regions. A record 32.4 million tonnes of cargo moved through the Port of Prince Rupert in 2020, including consumer goods, medical supplies, manufacturing components, and exports from Canada’s agriculture, forestry, mining, and energy industries. This record volume was only possible because of the diverse range of cargoes that flow through the Port which – unlike other major trade gateways – still has room to grow. Unconstrained by urbanization, significant portions of Port of Prince Rupert lands have yet to be fully developed, leaving room for further diversification and expansion, to serve the needs of Canadian exporters.
Kendal Standring is an Operations Foreman at DP World-Prince Rupert Fairview Container Terminal.
With global trade in a critical time of transition, supply chains in flux, and pressure mounting to decarbonize, the Prince Rupert Gateway is poised to help Canada’s economy reap the benefits more than ever before. A world-class labour force, combined with investments in leading technologies, smart infrastructure, best practice environmental management and the lowest carbon emission intensity in North America have positioned the Gateway as Canada’s leading edge for international trade. By committing to investing in strategic infrastructure, diversifying cargoes and sustainably growing capacity, Prince Rupert is ready to handle the needs of today’s marketplace and take on the challenges of the future.
Shaun Stevenson is president & CEO of the Prince Rupert Port Authority. Find out how the Port of Prince Rupert is driving economic prosperity for Canada at rupertport.com/economic-impact.
