According to national marine policy, there are three categories of port in Canada:
Category 1: Canadian port authorities under Transport Canada jurisdiction
Canadian port authorities (CPAs) are independent management corporations mandated to operate ports deemed essential to domestic and international trade, forming what is sometimes called a national ports system. Other ports may qualify for CPA status and join the national system if they meet the criteria for this category.
There are five such ports in the Quebec Region:
Category 2: Regional ports under Transport Canada jurisdiction
These ports, smaller than the CPAs, serve regional and local economic, tourism and recreational needs.
Category 3: Remote ports
These ports are located along Quebec's Lower North Shore, where most localities are connected only by sea.