Experts say expanding CBSA services at Port Windsor could boost economy, ease supply chain pressures

New study highlights the benefits of expanding CBSA operations to Windsor. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor)

A new study is highlighting the potential economic and environmental benefits of expanding Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) operations to Port Windsor… a move advocates say could create jobs, strengthen trade, and reduce costs for businesses across the region.

The report, commissioned by the Chamber of Marine Commerce, suggests the federal government could recoup its investment within weeks through increased tax revenue and economic activity generated by new marine container trade opportunities.

“We’re looking forward to seeing measures in the next federal budget so that the agency receives proper funding to carry out its mandate, which is to clear containers when businesses request it,” said Maguessa Morel-Laforce, senior director of government relations for the Chamber of Marine Commerce.

Morel-Laforce said Transport Canada has already recognized Windsor’s strategic position within the national supply chain.

“Transport Canada has actually acknowledged that Windsor is a critical point in the Canadian supply chain,” he said. “The National Trade Corridors Fund invested to create a container terminal at Port Windsor, which is under construction now. It’s the biggest land crossing in the country, and its marine facility can certainly take part of that load and increase the resiliency and economic potential of the region.”

The study argues that enhancing marine container operations through Great Lakes ports could strengthen trade diversification, improve efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by shifting cargo from trucks to ships.

“When we look at productivity and dwell time in Canada, we’re not really good students in the G7,” Morel-Laforce said. “Making better use of existing assets and actually creating new trade is about diversifying our markets and increasing our reach across the world at a crucial time for the economy.”

Port Windsor harbour master Peter Berry said expanding CBSA services locally would be transformative for the region’s economy, particularly as Windsor prepares for growth in the electric vehicle manufacturing sector.

“This would change us significantly to be able to handle containers and move that traffic off the port,” Berry said.

“If the port is funded by its own activities, it’s not taxpayer-based, so this would definitely help us expand and improve on the activities we’re able to provide here, including supporting manufacturing and the EV plant.”

Berry noted that the proposal aligns with the federal government’s plan to recruit 1,000 new customs officers over the next five years.

“We’re able to reduce the cost of a container move by about $3,000,” he said. “That savings will be felt in all of the communities identified in that study.”

He added that enhanced CBSA capacity would raise Windsor’s international trade profile alongside major infrastructure projects such as the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

“What this will do is really raise Windsor’s profile to Europe and other markets where we’re not getting the penetration we need right now,” Berry said. “I think it’s a real boon.”

The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce also supports the report’s findings.

“This report is very positive,” said Ryan Donnally, president and CEO. “It aligns perfectly with federal priorities around economic competitiveness, climate action, trade diversification, and infrastructure efficiency.”

Donnally said the findings show the federal government has a clear opportunity to invest in Windsor’s growing trade potential.

“It’s wonderful to see this report turn out so positive, because this should be very easy for the federal government to look at and say, ‘This is something we need to fund as part of our nation-building efforts,’” he said.

He added that increased marine access would help diversify the region’s supply chains beyond the U.S. market.

“This allows us to open international markets,” Donnally told CTV News. “Anything that allows a more open, free flowing of persons and goods, we definitely support. And this is an opportunity for the federal government to look at increasing commerce throughout the Great Lakes and capitalizing on one of our competitive advantages.”

“This is a freshwater access to the world,” Donnally explained. “We need to be able to capitalize on that and this opportunity, and this report highlights that.”

The Chamber of Marine Commerce estimates that expanding CBSA container inspection capacity at Great Lakes ports, including Windsor, could lead to long-term economic gains across Ontario and Quebec while cutting emissions and improving supply chain resilience.