Cruise ships get approval to bypass Canada, for now

The Chamber is calling on provincial and federal governments to step up their advocacy efforts after US President Joe Biden signed off on the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act.

The move allows cruise ships to sail directly from Seattle to Alaska, without stopping in a Canadian port. The change, approved by Biden on Monday, temporarily waives the US Passenger Vessel Services Act.

Greater Victoria Harbour Authority CEO Ian Robertson said in a GVHA newsletter he's working to make sure cruise ships return to Victoria when regulations allow. The industry is worth $130 million per year to our regional economy and creates 800 jobs.

The US decision is good news for the Alaskan economy, and doesn't impact Canada for now as cruise ships are not allowed until next year. Robertson said he expects to hear more about the return of cruise ships by the fall.