Canada Introduces USD 1.1 Bn Marine Safety Plan

Canada has revealed a CAD 1.5 billion (USD 1.1 billion) marine safety plan that meets international standards and is supported by commitments to Indigenous co-management, environmental protections, and science-based standards.

Due to its long coastline, it is vital for Canada to have a plan to ensure that its coasts are protected “in a modern and advanced way” that ensures environmental sustainability, safe and responsible commercial use, and collaboration with coastal and Indigenous communities.

Announced by Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, the Oceans Protection Plan has four main priority areas. These include creating a world-leading marine safety system that improves responsible shipping and protects Canada’s waters; restoring and protecting the marine ecosystems and habitats; strengthening partnerships and launching co-management practices with Indigenous communities, and investing in oil spill cleanup research and methods to ensure that decisions taken in emergencies are evidence based.

The Oceans Protection Plan was developed based on work done over the past two years between Indigenous and coastal communities and various government programs, and will be implemented next year.

Trudeau said that the plan “will make Canada a world-leader in marine safety and takes a powerful step toward co-management of our coasts with Indigenous and coastal communities, together making sure they remain healthy, clean, and safe for generations to come.”