Saskatchewan and Manitoba appeared before the Federal Court this week to intervene in a judicial review of the Vancouver Port Authority’s new gateway infrastructure fees.

The fees which increased January 1, 2023 range from eight to 40 cents per tonne for bulk, non-containerized cargo, including potash and grain.

As a result of the increase, a number of companies, are seeking a judicial review of the decision.

Parrish & Heimbecker CEO John Heimbecker says the Port of Vancouver is trying to impose new gateway infrastructure fees that in their view place an unfair and unnecessary burden on bulk terminal operators like grain.

He notes a significant portion of those costs will inevitably be borne by prairie grain farmers.

The Port of Vancouver is critical for prairie exports. 

There's no word on when the Federal Court is expected to hand down its decision.