Published Apr 30, 2025 • Last updated 2 hours ago • 3 minute readA rendering of what Phase 1 of the proposed Novaporte offshore wind marshalling site in Edwardsville will look like. Photo by FileIn an era defined by rising geopolitical instability and strained global supply chains, Canada stands at a crossroads. We can either continue relying on outdated trade routes and vulnerable supply chains, or we can take bold steps to safeguard our future.The Novaporte project in Sydney is exactly the kind of transformative infrastructure Canada needs right now, and it’s time for Ottawa to move swiftly to approve and advance it.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentNovaporte is a modern, deepwater, zero-emission port that offers something no other Canadian port does: a direct Atlantic gateway to global markets, linked by rail to major economic hubs across North America. Backed by private investment and aligned with federal climate and trade goals, it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen Canada’s economic sovereignty and resilience.The Liberal party’s Canada Strong plan emphasizes the need to “strengthen and diversify trade partnerships to protect economic security.” Novaporte delivers on this priority with green infrastructure, direct access to Europe and Asia, and seamless integration with CN’s national rail network.This isn’t just about Sydney. This is about Canada.Article contentHere’s why Novaporte matters for the entire country:A green port for a green future: Novaporte is built for carbon neutrality from the ground up. Zero-emission equipment, electrified logistics and green energy integration support Canada’s net-zero targets and climate commitments.Global-scale capacity: With a 16.5-metre natural draft, Novaporte can handle the world’s largest container vessels, something other ports in Canada struggle with. This positions Canada to compete more effectively in global shipping.50 per cent faster to key markets: Through its direct rail link to Montreal, Toronto and Chicago, Novaporte shortens delivery times, compared to congested West Coast routes.Resilience through diversification: U.S. protectionism and policy swings — like those seen under President Donald Trump — have made one thing clear; we must diversify. Novaporte breaks the bottleneck of relying too heavily on a single trading partner.Article contentJobs and growth: From skilled labour and construction to long-term operations, Novaporte will generate thousands of jobs and inject economic energy into the Atlantic region and the national economy.Scalable for Canada’s future: Novaporte is built for tomorrow’s trade — flexible, expandable and capable of adapting to shifting global dynamics.Premier Tim Houston has emphasized the importance of building a stronger and more diverse economy — and rightly so. Novaporte directly enables that vision. It supports national priorities around climate, trade, security and economic inclusivity.Mary Ng, a former minister of export promotion, international trade and economic development, stated that “diversification is essential to our future growth and success.” Novaporte doesn’t just support diversification — it enables it, physically and strategically.Article contentIt’s time for Ottawa to act. The federal government must provide the final approvals and support needed to move Novaporte from blueprint to reality. This project is shovel-ready, strategically aligned and nationally significant.In approving Novaporte, Canada signals to the world that we are ready to lead — not follow — in the next chapter of global trade, economic resilience and green infrastructure.It’s not just a port. It’s a path forward.Thomas Ashford, SydneyBloc leader’s comments miss the markRe: Houston slams Blanchet for comments about ‘artificial country,’ April 28Can you imagine Yves Blanchet’s reaction if the First Nations of Quebec claimed that the province is an artificial province or “nation” to them?Article contentThe Acadian people in Nova Scotia, who suffered greatly from the Expulsion in 1755, do not feel they need to be treated with kid gloves. Yet they are celebrated here and proud of their roots, their culture and traditions. Are they too an artificial part of Canadian history?I have always loved Quebec for their culture, their language and European flair. I am from Nova Scotia and am proud to be a part of this great country, all 10 provinces and three territories.The statement Blanchet made caused me to lose respect for him as a politician, a Quebecer and a Canadian. The selfishness and insistence of always being a victim do nothing for his constituents and only cause anger, hate and divisiveness.He should take responsibility and resign as leader of his party. He has disgraced himself and made a mockery of our politics, sovereignty and democracy.Paul Moreau, DartmouthArticle content
VOICE OF THE PEOPLE: Novaporte is the nation-building project Canada needs
