Carney Backs BC Port Expansion Plan for Economic Independence

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has thrown his weight behind a plan to expand the port at Roberts Bank in British Columbia, which he believes is essential for boosting exports and reducing the country's reliance on the US.

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority's Roberts Bank Terminal 2 expansion project aims to increase container capacity by 50% through the construction of a new three-berth terminal. This would enable $100 billion in new trade capacity annually, according to Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon.

Carney, who toured the Global Container Terminals' Deltaport facility at the site last week, said that Canada's existing port capacity won't be enough to meet Ottawa's goals for growing and diversifying the economy within the next decade. He emphasized the need to expand port capacity and connected infrastructure to become 'stronger, more independent, more diversified', increasing trade with Asian countries.

The project has been met with opposition from environmental groups who have expressed concerns about its potential impact on the habitat of endangered southern resident killer whales. However, Carney assured that the government is working with local First Nations to share in the economic benefits and ensure environmental protections.