July 22, 2025
Last week officials celebrated the opening of the new Marine Container Examination Facility (MCEF) in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
This new examination facility, constructed by the Halifax Port Authority with funding from Transport Canada's National Trade Corridors Fund and funding from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), represents an investment into Canada's future, and a commitment to the safety and security of Canadians.
In addition to allowing for improved flow of supply chains and secure trade, it enables Canadian businesses to compete and grow in international markets, improves efficiency and safety for CBSA employees and operations, and contributes to continued growth for port operations in Halifax.
Halifax's new Marine Container Examination Facility is home to the CBSA's Container Examination Team and Waterfront Cargo Inspection Unit, and is located on the shores of the Bedford Basin, adjacent to the PSA Halifax Fairview Cove Terminal near the former Africville community.
The 2,700 square-metre Envision-Verified Certified building replaces the former MCEF warehouse located in the Burnside Industrial Park, which required shipping containers to be transported across the MacKay Bridge for examination.
High-risk shipping containers are referred for examination at the MCEF by the CBSA's National Targeting Centre, as well as the CBSA's Waterfront Cargo Inspection Unit in Halifax.
CBSA officers based at the facility then conduct comprehensive examinations of the containers and cargo to look for drugs, weapons, stolen vehicles and other dangerous contraband being imported to or exported from Canada. Officers also ensure compliance with Canada's food, plant, and animal regulations.
Source: CBSA