A new direction or stay the course? Canada's port-specific challenges resulting from the port reform program of the 1990s

This article examines the third wave of port reform in Canada. It analyses whether the third wave can be considered 'successful' by defining how success could be measured in the context of Canadian policy objectives. It provides context by exploring the current port situation and port policy. Using a content analysis methodology to examine port governance principles on web sites for the major ports, the study finds that not all ports live up to modern expectations of governance in a world where social media and web sites provide avenues to acquire social license. The article reviews the port-related findings of the 2016 Canada Transportation Act Review Panel, and contemplates what might be proposed in the developing swell of future port reform. The final section of the article examines whether a new direction is likely or whether the current course is likely to hold, and what conclusions and implications may be drawn for port reform more generally.