Trevor Heaver
The Shipping Conferences Exemption Act: Review and Suggestions of Positions 
Appropriate for the Panel

The paper reviews the intent of the Shipping Conferences Exemption Act when first enacted in 1970, describes subsequent developments in the liner shipping industry, and argues that conferences are of greatly diminished significance. It outlines recent opposition to the act from shippers and assesses the arguments of proponents, finding implausible their assertion that Canadian ports would lose traffic and services if the act were eliminated. Finally, the paper offers recommendations for liberalization.