Montreal Port Authority announces the departure of Paul Bird, Chief Commercial Officer

Press release

Montreal, March 9, 2026 — The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) today announces the departure of Mr. Paul Bird, Chief Commercial Officer. Mr. Bird will leave his position on March 15 to pursue new professional opportunities.

During his time at the Port of Montreal, Mr. Bird contributed significantly to the development of commercial activities and to the organization’s performance, in a context marked by the rapid evolution of global supply chains. He also played an important role in advancing major strategic files, including the Port of Montreal’s Contrecœur expansion project.

Mr. Bird will support a swift transition to ensure business continuity and the seamless handover of ongoing files

“On behalf of the entire Port of Montreal team, I would like to warmly thank Paul for his commitment, leadership and significant contribution to our organization. Through the work he led alongside our teams and partners, the Port of Montreal’s Contrecœur expansion project is well positioned to play a key role in meeting the future needs of Canadian trade. We wish him every success in the next chapter of his professional journey,” said Julie Gascon, President and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority.

Ms. Gascon also announced that she will assume interim responsibility of all commercial activities.  Ms. Gascon will continue to be closely supported by the entire team.

“I am leaving the Port of Montreal with great pride, in particular for having contributed—together with remarkable teams and our partners—to advancing the Port of Montreal’s Contrecœur expansion project. As preparatory work is already underway, this is an opportune time to ensure a smooth transition ahead of the next steps. I am confident that the MPA will maintain this momentum and successfully achieve its next milestones,” added Paul Bird.

Operated by the Montreal Port Authority (MPA), the Port of Montreal is the largest container port in Eastern Canada and a diversified transshipment centre that handles all types of goods: containerized and non-containerized cargo, liquid bulk and dry bulk. The only container port in Quebec, it is a destination port served by the largest shipping lines in the world. It is also an intermodal hub with a service offering that is unique in North America, featuring its own rail network directly dockside connected to Canada’s two national rail networks. The MPA also operates a Cruise Terminal.

The MPA factors economic, social and environmental components into its corporate initiatives. This commitment is governed by a sustainable development policy whose guiding principles focus on involvement, cooperation and accountability. Port activity in Canada supports some 590,000 jobs and generates close to $98.5 billion in economic activity.