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PORT OF SAINT JOHN & BELLEDUNE

Written by Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit | Dec 4, 2025 3:20:33 PM

Project Overview 

Location: New Brunswick (Saint John on Bay of Fundy, Belledune on Chaleur Bay) Project Type: Port capacity expansion Proponent: Port authorities, provincial/federal government Status: Strategic planning stage 

Project Description 

Atlantic Canada port capacity enhancement for trade diversification and northeastern US market access. 

Investment Value 

Combined Expansion: $500 million - $1 billion CAD estimated 

Indigenous Partnerships 

Wolastoqey Nations: Aboriginal title claims over traditional territories including port areas Mi'kmaq Nations: Consultation requirements in northern NB (Belledune) 

New Brunswick Context: 

  • Historic treaties and Aboriginal rights partially unresolved 
  • Wolastoqey pursuing Aboriginal title litigation 
  • Consultation framework less defined than BC or Quebec 
  • Partnership models evolving 

Key Risks 

Moderate Risk: 

  • Aboriginal rights legal framework uncertainty 
  • Consultation adequacy standards evolving 
  • Less established partnership protocols than other jurisdictions 

Investment Opportunities 

  • Atlantic trade capacity 
  • European market access 
  • Northeastern US connections 
  • Less congested than major ports