Strengthening Logistics Corridors to Support Competitiveness

May 19, 2026

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This blog was provided by QSL on behalf of the Supply Chain Council

Canada is home to many high‑performing businesses. Their ability to remain competitive, however, increasingly depends on a decisive factor: the efficiency and diversification of the logistics corridors that support their growth. In this context, the St. Lawrence–Great Lakes maritime corridor stands out as a major strategic asset for supply chain resilience, and its strengthening has become a key element of our economic competitiveness.

Recognition That Expands the Corridor’s Potential

The Government of Canada’s recent recognition of the Port of Quebec as an international container port fully aligns with this perspective. By expanding the network of gateways capable of handling international container traffic, this designation creates the conditions needed to improve trade fluidity and increase the capacity of the St. Lawrence–Great Lakes corridor to meet the needs of Canadian businesses, both for imports and exports.

Strengthening Capacity Where It Is Most Effective

It is within this framework that QSL is developing a deep‑water container terminal project at the Port of Québec, in the Beauport sector. By favouring the redevelopment of existing land –without encroaching on the river– and the adaptation of port facilities, the project is part of a strategy to optimize existing assets to improve the overall efficiency of the corridor.

With a planned capacity of up to 200,000 TEUs per year, the initiative aims to complement the existing port network and better distribute freight flows. Notably, it will help optimize the loading capacity of container ships operating to and from the Port of Montreal.

The St. Lawrence and Great Lakes system represents the world’s third‑largest economic region. Therefore, investing in our port infrastructure no longer appears to be an option, but rather a strategic necessity. QSL plans to invest several tens of millions of dollars in this project.

A Rigorous and Structured Process

QSL will soon submit a project notice to the Port of Quebec. The project will then move through the established evaluation processes, including rigorous analyses and consultation mechanisms, in accordance with applicable regulatory frameworks. This phased approach will allow for a comprehensive and transparent evaluation, consistent with expectations related to environment, governance, and social acceptability for major infrastructure projects.

Turning Potential into a Real Advantage

A recent study has shown that strengthening the St. Lawrence–Great Lakes corridor provides a concrete solution to improve competitiveness, secure supply chains, and offer businesses more robust logistics solutions adapted to an evolving commercial environment.

By building on private investments that are aligned with a national infrastructure vision, Canada gains crucial tools to support the growth and resilience of its economy.