Specialization and economic impact of the ports of Montreal, Quebec, Saint John, and Halifax

Specialization in cargoes and forelands is defined for the ports of Montreal, Quebec, Saint John, and Halifax using a variation of the location quotient. Economic impact is also defined using the location quotient. All ports are shown to have some degree of specialization; whereas, Saint John and Halifax have relatively greater economic impact. It is suggested that the four ports should be encouraged to develop their specializations. However, are the benefits to the shipping industry in following such a policy outweighed by the losses to the local economies because investment in certain ports does not take place?