August 24, 2005
Role of the Vancouver and Fraser Port Authorities
Retail Council of Canada members are perplexed that many of the items at issue in the work disruption of 2005 were also involved in the port dispute of 1999.
In a memo to stakeholders dated November 15th, 1999, VPA Harbour Master Chris Badger wrote:
"There is still much to achieve. The Port of Vancouver is committed to improving the productivity at the terminals. We will be:
We are considering:
- Introducing a fee per transaction to cover the administration of a 100% truck scheduling system
- Requiring trucks to participate in a tracking system while on port property.
Our vision is a port working 24 hours a day at full productivity."
These priorities and initiatives reflect those of our members. The question they would ask is — why has there been so little progress since 1999 particularly when the dramatic growth of container traffic has added such urgency?
It is the perception of our members that, despite their names, neither the Vancouver Port Authority nor the Fraser Port Authority have any real legislative authority to set performance or operational standards for its tenants — i.e. the terminal operator.
Despite the apparent best efforts of the Port Authorities to facilitate collaboration among stakeholders, it may be unrealistic to believe that moral suasion alone if sufficient to establish common cause and direction among stakeholders that are also in some instances competitors.
Recommendation: That the Task Force seek to identify the obstacles that have impeded progress in the development of the Port Authorities' plan to move to its "vision of a port working 24 hours a day at full productivity.
Recommendation: That consideration be given to providing the Port Authorities with the ability to develop and enforce service standards on terminal operators.
Recommendation: That the Task Force examine the vehicles and channels utilized for communication and consultation among stakeholders with the intention of ensuring they promote collaboration and a coordinated approach to the movement of containers at the Port of Vancouver.
Recommendation: That a cost/benefits analysis be conducted of amalgamating the Lower Mainland's three port authorities.
All of which is respectfully submitted,
Retail Council of Canada