Michael “Mike” Butler is the CEO of Coastal Gateway Port, a British Columbia-based port and maritime infrastructure company advancing sustainable port development, marine logistics, shipbuilding, and industrial supply-chain initiatives in Western Canada. He has publicly represented Coastal Gateway in discussions about Canada–U.S. infrastructure collaboration, Pacific trade, advanced manufacturing, and shipbuilding capacity. Under his leadership, Coastal Gateway has promoted proposals for clean shipbuilding, port modernization, and long-term investment in Canadian marine infrastructure. Mike also serves as a public media contact for the company’s recent announcements and industry initiatives across North America.
North America’s maritime future depends on more than ships — it depends on whether Canada and the U.S. can rebuild the industrial partnerships that power trade, defense, and manufacturing resilience. As global competition intensifies and supply chains become more vulnerable, how can both countries strengthen maritime manufacturing and trade together?
From Mike Butler’s perspective as a maritime infrastructure leader, the answer lies in treating shipbuilding, port development, and industrial capacity as a shared Canada-U.S. priority. He explains that long-term contracts, sustainable financing, and cross-border public-private partnerships are essential to rebuilding the facilities, workforce, and supply chains needed for stronger maritime trade. The main impact is a more resilient North American manufacturing base that can support defense readiness, create good-paying jobs, and reduce dependence on overseas shipbuilding. Butler also highlights the importance of allied cooperation through NATO and AUKUS-related opportunities, as well as the need to align government support with private-sector investment.
In this episode of America: Open for Business, host Cameron Heffernan sits down with Mike Butler, CEO of Coastal Gateway Port, to discuss strengthening Canada-U.S. maritime manufacturing and trade. They explore cross-border shipbuilding, port infrastructure, and allied industrial capacity. Mike also talks about financing, workforce development, and long-term maritime partnerships.
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