Ottawa--Transport Minister Marc Garneau surprised the Hamilton and Oshawa port authorities Feb. 5 by proposing they be amalgamated into a new entity. Equally surprising he didn't include the Toronto Port Authority in the equation.“This action is being taken to improve port efficiencies and planning in the region,” Garneau said in a statement. The port authorities were informed of the move shortly before his department issued a short news release about it. No detailed reasons or explanation were provided.The Feb. 9 Canada Gazette will contain a certificate of intent to amalgamate Oshawa and Hamilton, Garneau said. That will kick start a Transport Canada consultation on the proposal, which is to run until March 11. Following the consultation period, the Government may decide to confirm the amalgamation through the publication of a certificate of amalgamation in a later Canada Gazette, Part II.The Hamilton Port Authority said it supported the consultation process. “We believe it makes sense to reflect on the structure of maritime assets in southern Ontario to ensure they are sustainable, and able to meet the needs of the growing GTHA economy.“As Ontario's largest port, Hamilton Port Authority has a lot to contribute. We have attracted $300 million in investment within the last decade, and grown our on-port employment to 130 companies and 2,100 jobs,” HPA said.Donna Taylor, President and CEO of the Oshawa Port Authority and Chairwoman of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities (ACPA), called the Garneau announcement “very surprising.” She was awaiting further details before commenting further.When asked if the Oshawa and Hamilton amalgamation could lead to others, ACPA President Wendy Zatylny, said, “The Minister's office has said that no other amalgamations are anticipated.”Hamilton handled 11.1 million tonnes of freight last year and agriculture exports and imports accounted for 30 per cent of the traffic.Oshawa handled 508,157 tonnes of cargo and the Port of Toronto had about two million tonnes.Garneau said, “This amalgamation represents an opportunity to take advantage of emerging business opportunities and to increase economic growth and develop the supply chain in this densely populated region.“The integration of port activities in the two cities “is expected to enhance investment and trade opportunities, and contribute to Canada's global competitiveness,” he said.The two ports “play an important role in southern Ontario. They link our businesses to global markets and provide jobs to surrounding middle-class families. The Government of Canada is taking action to ensure these ports remain competitive.“Combining both port authorities together would allow the new entity to support growth and enhance the Southern Ontario region's connectivity to global markets. The Government of Canada is committed to the long-term sustainability of port operations in the region.”Alex Binkley is a freelance journalist and writes for domestic and international publications about agriculture, food and transportation issues. He's also the author of two science fiction novels with more in the works.