Resolution: Dredging Fees on the St. Lawrence River
Adopted on June 17, 2003

Whereas, the St. Lawrence River is a key pillar of the North American economy, contributing upwards of $6 billion annually and more than 65,000 direct jobs to both the Canadian and U.S. economies; and

Whereas, the St. Lawrence River is important not only for Canadian ports but is an essential link between international markets and the Great Lakes economy, both in Canada and the United States; and

Whereas, since 1997, the Canadian Government denied its responsibility regarding maintenance dredging of the St. Lawrence River and transferred the entire cost of this service to the commercial marine industry despite the fact that the Canadian population is also a beneficiary of marine activity; and

Whereas, on May 30, 2003 the Canadian Coast Guard imposed a new fee schedule, with an increase of 9 percent, effective on June 1, 2003, without notice nor discussion with the users; and

Whereas, that the recent Report of the Review Panel on the Canada Marine Act observed that “The Government of Canada should continue to be responsible and pay for dredging in waters up to the boundaries of (Canadian Port Administration) CPAs and public ports”;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the International Association of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Mayors urges the Canadian Government to recognize its full responsibility in the maintenance of navigational channels situated outside of port boundaries such as the St. Lawrence navigational channel and pay for the costs of dredging works.