Ports Canada 2026 brings together Canada’s port and marine transportation leaders at Caesars Windsor for a focused program on the issues shaping the future of the sector: trade diversification, supply chain resilience, cross-border collaboration, environmental stewardship, port operations, security, and innovation. Set in Windsor at the heart of one of Canada’s most important trade corridors, the program combines high-value plenary discussions, practical concurrent sessions, curated networking, and experiential programming that connects delegates to the region’s port, border, and marine economy.
Delegates will gain timely insights from Canadian and international leaders on global trade dynamics, the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway, cross-border security, sustainable marine operations, port remediation, artificial intelligence, northern shipping, and the evolving role of ports in Canada’s economic future. The conference is designed to help attendees exchange ideas, build strategic relationships, explore practical solutions, and return to their organizations with a stronger understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing Canada’s ports and supply chains.
Sponsored by: InterVistas
Welcome to Ports Canada 2026! Begin your conference experience at the registration desk, located on the third floor of the Colosseum Tower at Caesars Windsor, in the conference foyer outside the Augustus Ballroom.
The ACPA team will be on hand to welcome delegates, provide conference materials and name badges, and help you navigate the exciting program ahead. Whether you have questions about plenary sessions, concurrent sessions, networking events, exhibit hall activities, port tours, or social functions, our staff will be happy to assist.
Take a few moments to review the conference agenda, connect with fellow attendees, and plan your schedule before the official program begins. With thought-provoking speakers, engaging discussions, valuable networking opportunities, and industry-leading exhibitors, Ports Canada 2026 promises to be an exceptional experience.
We look forward to welcoming you to Windsor and helping you make the most of your time at Canada’s premier ports and marine industry conference.
Need assistance? Visit the registration desk at any time throughout the conference—we're here to help.
Join us to kick off the Ports Canada 2026 Conference. Enjoy breathtaking views of Windsor from the 27th floor at Augustus 27.
Join fellow delegates for an early morning walk to start the day!
Meet in Caesar’s Auto Lobby
Emcee: Daniel-Robert Gooch, President and CEO, Association of Canadian Port Authorities
First Nation's Blessing:
Welcome Remarks: Steve Salmons, President and CEO, Windsor Port Authority; Ian Marr, President and CEO, Nanaimo Port Authority and Chair, Association of Canadian Port Authorities
Mayor’s Welcome: Drew Dilkens, Mayor of Windsor
The conference will begin with a First Nations Blessing, recognizing the Indigenous communities whose stewardship and partnership continue to shape Canada’s port and transportation sectors. Opening remarks will then be delivered by industry and community leaders, including Daniel-Robert Gooch, President and CEO of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities; Steve Salmons, President and CEO of the Windsor Port Authority; Ian Marr, President and CEO of the Nanaimo Port Authority and Chair of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities; and Drew Dilkens, Mayor of Windsor.
Together, they will welcome delegates, set the stage for the conference, and highlight the critical role of Canada’s ports in supporting trade, economic growth, and community prosperity.
Sponsored by: HOPA Ports
More details to follow.
Make the most of your networking breaks by exploring the Ports Canada 2026 Exhibit Hall, where industry leaders, innovators, and solution providers come together to showcase the latest advancements shaping Canada’s port and marine transportation sector.
Connect with our Port Exhibitors and Premium Exhibitors, discover innovative solutions, and learn about the technologies, services, and expertise supporting port operations, infrastructure development, sustainability, security, and supply chain efficiency. The exhibit hall offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with industry partners, suppliers, consultants, government representatives, and fellow delegates from across the marine sector.
Whether you're seeking new business opportunities, exploring emerging trends, or strengthening existing relationships, the exhibit hall is the place to network, collaborate, and build connections that will help shape the future of Canada’s ports and marine industry.
Be sure to visit our sponsors and exhibitors throughout the conference and view the Sponsors & Exhibitors Directory to learn more about the organizations supporting Ports Canada 2026.
More details to follow.
Join us as we celebrate an individual whose leadership, dedication, and lasting contributions have helped shape Canada’s port and maritime sector. The ACPA Medal of Merit is the Association’s highest honour, recognizing exceptional service and achievements that have advanced the port, shipping, and maritime industries on a national scale.
Presented since 1975, this distinguished award acknowledges the contributions of individuals, organizations, and institutions whose work has left a lasting impact on Canada’s marine transportation community. This special presentation offers an opportunity to recognize excellence, reflect on a remarkable legacy of service, and celebrate those who have helped strengthen the future of the industry.
Introduction: Steve Salmons, President and CEO, Windsor Port Authority
Moderator: Peter Berry, Vice President of Operations and Harbour Master, Port of Windsor
Panelists: Capt. Caren Damon, United States Coast Guard, Sector Detroit Commander;
Superintendent Dale Foote, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, “O” Division OIC; Inspector Andrew Randall, Windsor Police; J.J. Chayeski, Director / Ambassador Bridge District, Canada Border Services Agency, Windsor Office
Situated along one of North America’s busiest international waterways, the Port of Windsor plays a critical role in supporting secure and efficient cross-border trade. This plenary panel will bring together Canadian and U.S. law enforcement, border security, and public safety leaders to discuss the collaborative efforts that help safeguard the shared Canada–U.S. border.
Moderated by Peter Berry, Vice President of Operations and Harbour Master at the Port of Windsor, the discussion will explore how agencies on both sides of the Detroit River work together to address evolving security challenges, facilitate trade and transportation, and ensure the safety of border communities. Panelists will share perspectives on cross-border cooperation, coordinated enforcement strategies, and the importance of strong partnerships in maintaining one of the world’s most dynamic border regions.
Concurrent Session 1: Group A (Tech and Operations)
Presenters: Tanya Alvero, Executive Director, Eastern Canada Response Corporation; Caroline Healey, Chief Executive Officer, Ship and Rail Compensation Canada
Environmental Response Partners
A safe, resilient, and sustainable marine transportation system depends on strong environmental response capabilities. This session will provide an overview of the critical role response organizations play in protecting Canada’s waterways while supporting the uninterrupted movement of trade and commerce.
Tanya Alvero, Executive Director of Eastern Canada Response Corporation, and Caroline Healey, Chief Executive Officer of Ship and Rail Compensation Canada, will share insights into the latest developments in marine spill preparedness, response capacity, and compensation frameworks. Attendees will gain a better understanding of how these organizations work with industry, governments, and port authorities to ensure environmental protection, strengthen emergency response readiness, and maintain confidence in Canada’s marine transportation system.
Concurrent Session 1: Group B (Environment and Sustainability)
Presenters: Sara Yonson, Manager, Environment and Energy, Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority; Jeffrey David, Chief Engineer & Operations Officer, Belledune Port Authority
Port Remediation and Land Use
Remediating land and water impacted by historical industrial activity remains one of the most complex challenges facing port authorities today. This session will explore how ports are addressing environmental liabilities, restoring valuable waterfront lands, and supporting sustainable future development.
Sara Yonson, Manager, Environment and Energy at the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority, will share lessons learned from the remediation of Randle Reef, the largest and most contaminated site on the Canadian side of the Great Lakes. Jeffrey David, Chief Engineer and Operations Officer at the Belledune Port Authority, will discuss the realities of managing legacy industrial contamination, including the application of the polluter pays principle and the complexities of achieving solutions across multiple jurisdictions.
Through these case studies, attendees will gain insights into the environmental, regulatory, and operational considerations involved in remediation projects, as well as the important role ports play in restoring and redeveloping strategic waterfront assets for future use.
Concurrent Session 2: Group A (Tech and Operations)
Presenters:
Concurrent Session 2: Group B (Environment and Sustainability)
Presenters: Frank Montecalvo, Vice President, Operations, Logistec; Paul Blomerus, CEO, Clear Seas
Marine Sustainability on the Frontier
As the marine transportation sector continues to advance its sustainability objectives, innovation, data, and forward-looking planning are playing an increasingly important role in shaping more resilient operations. This session will explore emerging approaches that support environmental stewardship while enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of maritime trade.
Frank Montecalvo, Vice President of Operations at Logistec, will highlight the company’s innovative sustainability initiatives and operational advancements across Canada. Paul Blomerus, CEO of Clear Seas, will present the organization’s vessel traffic forecast for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region, building on a proven model previously developed for Canada’s Pacific coast.
Together, these presentations will provide valuable insights into how industry leaders are using innovation, data-driven forecasting, and sustainable practices to support the future of Canada’s marine transportation system.
Join fellow delegates on the exhibit hall floor for a networking reception and happy hour, where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with industry peers, meet exhibitors, and explore innovative products, services, and solutions supporting Canada’s port and maritime sector.
Attendees who have pre-registered will also have the opportunity to participate in a guided Port of Windsor harbour tour by water, departing at 4:45 p.m. This unique experience offers a firsthand look at port operations and infrastructure along one of North America's most important trade corridors.
Please note: Advance registration is required for the port tour, and space is limited.
Join fellow delegates for an early morning walk to start the day!
Meet in Caesar’s Auto Lobby
Presenter: Ansis Zeltiņš, CEO, Port of Riga, Latvia, and President, European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO)
Ports around the world are facing many of the same challenges, from geopolitical uncertainty and shifting trade dynamics to climate resilience and evolving infrastructure demands. This session will provide a European perspective on how ports are responding to these pressures while maintaining competitiveness and supporting economic growth.
Ansis Zeltiņš, CEO of the Port of Riga and President of the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO), will share insights drawn from his leadership experience in Latvia, the Baltic region, and across Europe. He will discuss how the Port of Riga is addressing complex geopolitical, trade, environmental, and operational challenges through innovative approaches, regional collaboration, and strategic infrastructure investments.
Attendees will gain valuable international perspectives on topics that closely align with the priorities of Canadian ports, including the role of partnerships, the development of dual-use infrastructure, and the importance of coordinated responses to emerging global challenges. Mr. Zeltiņš will also offer broader insights into the priorities and outlook of Europe’s port sector through his role as President of ESPO.
Sponsored by: KPMG
Introduction: KPMG
Moderator: Daniel-Robert Gooch, President & CEO, Association of Canadian Port Authorities
Panelists: Grantly Franklin, Consul and Program Manager, Canadian Consulate (Detroit); Meredith Lilly, Professor and Simon Reisman Chair in International Economic Policy, Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University; Alan Arcand, Chief Economist, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME); Flavio Volpe, President, Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA)
Canada’s Trading Relationships: A Check-In
More than a year after the Government of Canada launched an ambitious agenda to diversify trade and strengthen economic partnerships beyond traditional markets, this panel will examine the progress made and the challenges that remain. Bringing together experts from government, academia, manufacturing, and the automotive sector, the discussion will explore how Canada is adapting to an evolving global trade environment while recalibrating its relationship with its largest trading partner, the United States.
Moderated by Daniel-Robert Gooch, President and CEO of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities, panelists will share perspectives on the effectiveness of Canada’s trade diversification efforts, the opportunities emerging in key international markets, and the implications of shifting geopolitical and supply chain dynamics. Attendees will gain insights into how Canadian industries are responding to changing trade patterns, strengthening competitiveness, and positioning themselves for growth in an increasingly complex global marketplace.
Sponsored by KPMG, this timely discussion will highlight the critical role of trade policy, supply chains, and market diversification in supporting Canada’s long-term economic resilience and prosperity.
Introduction: Jim Athanasiou, President and CEO, St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation
Moderator: Hannah Bowlby, Manager, Government Relations and Public Affairs, Algoma Central Corporation, Chair of the Ontario Marine Council
Panelists: Larissa Fenn, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority; Jim Athanasiou, President and CEO, St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation; David Gutheil, Chief Operating Officer, Port of Cleveland; Alexandre Beauchamp-Parent, Desgagnes; Paul Bird, President and CEO, Port of Montreal
Maximizing Canada’s Third Trading Corridor
The Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway is a vital trade corridor with significant potential to strengthen Canada’s supply chains, support trade diversification, and advance more sustainable goods movement. This panel will examine how governments, ports, marine carriers, and industry partners can better leverage the Seaway as Canada’s third trading corridor while expanding the role of short sea shipping as a complementary logistics solution.
Following opening remarks from Jim Athanasiou, President and CEO of the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, the discussion will explore what is needed to extend the navigation season, modernize lock and port operations, improve icebreaking capacity, and better integrate marine, rail, and truck networks. Moderated by Hannah Bowlby of Algoma Central Corporation and Chair of the Ontario Marine Council, panelists will share perspectives on the infrastructure, regulatory, market, and policy conditions required to unlock the full potential of the corridor.
Drawing on Canadian pilot projects and U.S. initiatives, the session will highlight how targeted investments, coordinated policies, and public-private collaboration can drive sustainable growth, improve reliability and efficiency, and position the Seaway as a stronger contributor to Canada’s economic resilience and climate objectives.
Survey Says... you won’t want to miss this one!
Step away from the presentations and get ready for an unforgettable conference experience as the ports and marine industry takes centre stage in Survey Says What?!, a high-energy game show inspired by the classic Family Feud format.
Hosted by Dr. Vincent Georgie, Director of the School of Creative Arts at the University of Windsor, this lively plenary session will pit two teams of industry leaders against each other in a battle of wit, strategy, and sector knowledge. Before the conference, maritime professionals from across the industry will be surveyed on the biggest challenges, emerging trends, and most pressing issues facing Canada’s marine sector. The question is: Can our contestants guess the most popular answers?
Cheer on Team West and Team East as they go head-to-head, competing for bragging rights while tackling everything from trade and workforce challenges to innovation, sustainability, and the future of Canadian ports. Expect spirited competition, surprising answers, plenty of laughs, and meaningful insights along the way.
More than just a game, this interactive session offers a fun and engaging look at the issues shaping our industry today—straight from the people who work in it.
Who will come out on top? Which coast knows the industry best? And what did the survey really say?
Join us to find out as industry leaders battle it out in the ultimate maritime showdown!
Concurrent Session 3: Group A (Tech and Operations)
Moderator: TBD
Presenters: Mike Cochrane, President and CEO, Charlottetown Port; Sean Baxter, Harbour Master, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
Applying Artificial Intelligence in Port Operations
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how ports manage operations, improve safety, and respond to growing demands on infrastructure. This session will showcase practical applications of AI and data-driven technologies that are helping Canadian ports enhance efficiency, support growth, and strengthen operational resilience.
Mike Cochrane, President and CEO of the Charlottetown Port Authority, will discuss how the Port of Charlottetown is using innovative vessel berthing and scheduling software to manage increasing cruise traffic while maximizing existing infrastructure. Sean Baxter, Harbour Master at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, will share how Active Vessel Traffic Management is improving the predictability, coordination, and safety of vessel movements within Burrard Inlet.
Through these real-world case studies, attendees will gain insight into how emerging technologies are being applied to address operational challenges and support the next generation of port management.
Concurrent Session 3: Group B (Environment and Sustainability)
As Canada continues to strengthen its northern transportation networks and expand Arctic trade opportunities, this plenary session will explore the infrastructure investments, partnerships, and strategic initiatives shaping the future of the North. Participants will gain insights into ongoing efforts to modernize transportation corridors, enhance port infrastructure, and support sustainable economic growth in northern and Arctic regions.
Chris Avery, CEO of Arctic Gateway Group, will discuss key developments across the northern transportation system, including modernization efforts at the Port of Churchill, improvements to critical rail and transport connections, and the increasing role of year-round Arctic shipping. The session will also examine the importance of national and regional partnerships in advancing northern development, with a particular focus on Indigenous participation and leadership in infrastructure and business initiatives.
Attendees will hear about the unique challenges associated with building, operating, and maintaining infrastructure in remote northern environments, as well as the opportunities these investments create for local communities, economic development, and Canada’s broader trade network. The discussion will also explore the potential for dual-purpose infrastructure that supports both civilian and military objectives, contributing to community resilience while strengthening Canada’s northern and national security interests.
This session will provide a forward-looking perspective on the evolving role of northern transportation infrastructure in supporting economic growth, Indigenous partnerships, Arctic sovereignty, and the long-term prosperity of Canada's North.
As the conference comes to a close, delegates will gather for a final reflection on the key themes, insights, and conversations that have shaped this year’s event. Leaders from the Association of Canadian Port Authorities and the Windsor Port Authority will offer closing remarks, highlighting the opportunities and challenges facing Canada’s port sector and the importance of continued collaboration across the marine industry.
Daniel-Robert Gooch, President and CEO of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities, and Steve Salmons, President and CEO of the Windsor Port Authority, will thank delegates, partners, sponsors, and speakers for their contributions to a successful conference. The session will conclude with a look ahead to the future of Canada’s ports and the official handoff to the host of Ports Canada 2027, offering a preview of next year’s event and the next chapter for the industry.
Join us for one last hurrah!