What Happened To Port Protection: The Amanda Makar Case and the Evolution of Maritime Security

In a pivotal moment for Canadian maritime policy, the case of Amanda Makar and the ongoing transformation of port protection has exposed vulnerabilities, sparked reforms, and redefined how critical infrastructure is safeguarded across coastal hubs. Makar’s situation, centered on her role in challenging outdated security protocols at a key Atlantic port, ignited a high-profile debate on modernizing port protection systems in the face of escalating cyber threats and physical security risks. This accountability moment underscores a broader systemic shift — one where regulatory oversight, industry cooperation, and public transparency converge to protect national assets.

At the heart of the story is Amanda Makar, a former ship operations coordinator and whistleblower whose allegations revealed systemic gaps in Canada’s port security framework. According to internal reports cited by industry analysts, Makar identified deficiencies in how hazardous cargo screening, access control, and real-time threat monitoring were managed at Saint John Port, one of Canada’s busiest maritime gateways. Her findings detailed how legacy software systems failed to integrate with modern surveillance tools, leaving critical chokepoints vulnerable to unauthorized access and potential smuggling.

How a Single Voice Exposed Port Vulnerabilities

Makar’s disclosures, made public in early 2023, sent ripples through governmental and operational circles.

While maintaining operational anonymity initially, she provided confidential evidence linking outdated risk assessment models to a series of near-misses reported over two years. Her documentation highlighted vulnerabilities such as: - Inconsistent deployment of radiation and ionization detection scanning at cargo transfer points - Over-reliance on manual verification processes susceptible to human error - Lack of synchronized communication between port authorities, customs, and federal security agencies - Insufficient cybersecurity safeguards protecting digital ports management platforms “This wasn’t just a paper audit,” Makar stated in a recorded statement. “It was a live test of whether our defenses could withstand real-world threats — and they failed.”

These revelations triggered an immediate internal audit by Infrastructure Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard, concluding that maritime port security had lagged behind global standards, particularly in cybersecurity resilience and rapid threat response.

The audit report, released in Q2 2023, flagged port systems that “operated as siloed islands rather than integrated defense networks.”

Systemic Reforms Sparked by Makar’s Exposé

Following Makar’s feedback, a national task force convened to overhaul port protection. Key reforms include: - Mandatory adoption of next-generation cargo screening technologies by all federally regulated ports - Implementation of AI-driven threat prediction tools integrated with real-time data feeds from maritime, customs, and intelligence agencies - Strengthened public-private partnerships to share threat intelligence across stakeholders - Biannual third-party cybersecurity penetration testing for critical port infrastructure - Revisions to federal port security training programs emphasizing digital threat awareness and crisis coordination One of the most significant changes has been the rollout of PortGuard — a centralized digital platform designed to unify surveillance, cargo risk analysis, and emergency response across five major Atlantic ports. “PortGuard represents a paradigm shift,” stated Harper Carter, Director of Maritime Security at Infrastructure Canada.

“It’s not just software; it’s a new operating model for how we protect our marine gateways.”

Industry experts view these reforms as long-overdue but necessary. Dr. Naomi Lin, a senior fellow at the Maritime Policy Institute, noted: “Makar’s courage transformed anecdotal concerns into policy urgency.

Her case proved that behind every port terminal are people tracking risks — and systems that must evolve to support them.”

The Human Element: Whistleblower Impact and Institutional Change

Makar’s role exemplifies the critical impact whistleblowers play in national security. Operating without legal counsel or public platform initially, she provide verified, operational intelligence that government agencies often lack — real-time insights not captured in formal reports. Her actions catalyzed six months of investigations, staff retrainings, and infrastructure audits that would not have accelerated under standard protocols.“Whistleblowing isn’t always about media headlines,” Makar explained.

“Sometimes it’s about giving institutions a mirror — one shattered by complacency, reflecting what needs fixing.”

Yet challenges remain. Budget constraints for smaller ports limit uniform deployment of new systems, and workforce shortages hamper rapid adaptation. Moreover, experts warn that cybersecurity remains an evolving battlefield; port control systems face growing risks from ransomware and state-sponsored actors targeting supply chains.

The recent case underscores the need for ongoing vigilance beyond policy checklists.

Still, momentum continues. Regulators now require quarterly reporting on port security upgrades, and community engagement initiatives aim to raise public awareness of maritime risks.

In Saint John, port authorities have opened preview demonstrations of PortGuard, inviting stakeholders to witness how digital transformation strengthens site safety and resilience.

Lessons from Port Protection’s Turning Point

The Amanda Makar case marks more than a single incident—it signals a transformation in how Canada safeguards its