OTTAWA (GNB) – Today, Premier Susan Holt joined Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Craig Bell Estabrooks, president and CEO of Port Saint John, to highlight the significant increase in Ontario goods flowing through Port Saint John and to build on this strategic partnership to help remove trade barriers.
In 2024-25, Port Saint John handled a 153 per cent increase in goods from Ontario bound for international markets, demonstrating the province’s growing role as the eastern gateway for Canadian exports and its success in helping businesses reach new markets despite global trade challenges, said Holt.
“Port Saint John is Ontario’s port to the world,” said Holt. “New Brunswick has seen a 153 per cent increase in exports from Ontario moving through Port Saint John, and that momentum is only picking up. New Brunswick is proud to be a gateway to international markets and support free trade within Canada. This partnership strengthens Canada’s economy by connecting Ontario exporters to global markets through a modern, efficient, and reliable gateway right here in New Brunswick. It delivers economic stability today while building long-term opportunity for workers, businesses and communities across the country.”
The goal is to support economic growth, free trade in Canada and supply-chain resilience. Over the past five years, the volume of Ontario goods moving through New Brunswick’s largest port has increased by nearly 600 per cent. In 2025, Ontario exports accounted for 31 per cent of Port Saint John’s total exports, underscoring the port’s growing importance to Canada’s largest provincial economy and to interprovincial trade.
“The work we are doing to unlock free trade within Canada and get Canadian products to new markets around the world is at the heart of our plan to protect Ontario from tariffs and economic uncertainty,” said Ford. “Ontario is proud to lead the country in tearing down barriers to interprovincial free trade, signing agreements with 10 provinces and territories, including New Brunswick. As we do so, we are also supporting the construction and expansion of critical nation-building infrastructure such as pipelines, rail lines, highways and ports, including vital trading hubs like Port Saint John.”
Known as one of Canada’s fastest-growing container ports, Port Saint John can accommodate various cargos and offers inland connectivity through three railways. As well, the port welcomes a growing number of cruise ships from around the world.
In partnership with the provincial and federal governments, Port Saint John recently completed a $247-million modernization of its west-side container terminal. This investment, alongside operations by terminal operator DP World, positions the port at the early stages of significant long-term growth and supports Canada’s trade diversification priorities, said Holt.
“Today’s conversation with Premier Holt and Premier Ford reaffirmed how Port Saint John contributes to Canada’s broader nation‑building vision,” said Bell Estabrooks. “With newly modernized infrastructure and unparalleled connectivity, we are proud to fuel job growth in southern New Brunswick and offer all of Ontario new, reliable supply chain pathways.”
Further improvements to road and rail connections will allow the port to move even more Ontario goods efficiently to international markets, increasing exports and investment.
Today’s announcement comes ahead of the first ministers’ meeting, where provincial and federal leaders will discuss strengthening Canada’s economy and breaking down internal trade barriers. In April 2025, New Brunswick and Ontario signed a memorandum of understanding on free trade and labour mobility.
“Breaking down interprovincial trade barriers is essential to building a stronger, more competitive Canada,” said Holt. “Our investments in Port Saint John are paying off: promoting free trade between New Brunswick and Ontario and ensuring Canadian businesses can compete and succeed globally.”
Media Contact(s)
Lori-Jean Wallace, communications, Opportunities NB, lori-jean.wallace@gnb.ca.
Hannah Jensen, communications, Office of the Premier of Ontario, hannah.r.jensen@ontario.ca.
