Canadian Ports Push Ahead with Strategic Investments Despite Workforce Challenges

Major Projects Driving Growth

- Roberts Bank Terminal 2 (Vancouver): With construction scheduled to begin in the late 2020s, this more than $3 billion project will add 2.4 million TEUs of throughput capacity — making it one of the most significant container expansions in North America. Once complete, it is expected to support tens of thousands of well-paying supply chain jobs a year during operation.

 - Contrecoeur Terminal (Montreal): With $130 million in federal support, the $1.3 billion project will expand Montreal’s container capacity by more than 1.15 million TEUs, with construction scheduled to start by the end of 2025, and services starting by 2030.

 - Prince Rupert Gateway Expansion: Multiple projects — such as the Ridley Island Export Logistics Platform and CANXPORT — are strengthening Canada’s fastest-growing port. Investments exceeding $1.7 billion are providing new logistics, bulk, and intermodal capacity.

Peter Xotta, President and CEO of Vancouver Fraser Port Authority said, "Investment in the Vancouver gateway is vital to ensure Canada has the future trade capacity and flexibility it needs — and Roberts Bank Terminal 2 is paramount. The new Delta container terminal will increase Canada’s west coast container trade capacity by more than 30%, enable an estimated $100 billion in trade every year, and generate tens of thousands of well-paying supply chain and construction jobs."

Addressing the Workforce Gap

Canada’s construction sector is facing a pressing skilled labor shortage, with 380,000 workers expected to retire over the next decade. According to BuildForce Canada, the industry will need to recruit over 60,000 new workers by 2025 just to meet immediate demand. British Columbia alone must attract 60,100 new workers by 2034, driven by retirements and project growth.

Despite these pressures, Canadian ports and their partners are responding with expanded apprenticeship programs, Indigenous employment initiatives, and new training pipelines focused on marine trades, engineering, and logistics. These efforts are beginning to show results and are key to ensuring project momentum continues.

While regulatory complexity and labor constraints remain challenges, Canada’s port authorities are making strategic, future-focused investments. The next 18 months will be crucial in turning that investment into operational capacity, but the momentum is strong.

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