11/18/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/18/2022 11:44
From: Transport Canada
With the longest coastline in the world, keeping our oceans safe and clean is a top priority for the Government of Canada. Since its launch in 2016, the Oceans Protection Plan-the largest investment ever made to protect our oceans and keep our coastlines clean-has led to over 50 initiatives and the completion of more than 300 projects to keep our waters safe and clean from coast-to-coast-to-coast.
November 18, 2022 Vancouver, British Columbia Government of Canada
With the longest coastline in the world, keeping our oceans safe and clean is a top priority for the Government of Canada. Since its launch in 2016, the Oceans Protection Plan-the largest investment ever made to protect our oceans and keep our coastlines clean-has led to over 50 initiatives and the completion of more than 300 projects to keep our waters safe and clean from coast-to-coast-to-coast.
To build on this investment in our oceans, today the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, announced over $1.2 billion for 29 initiatives as part of the next phase of the Oceans Protection Plan. This investment includes $890.3 million for 19 initiatives to strengthen Canada's marine safety and prevention response. An investment of $337.3 million will be provided for 10 initiatives to support measures that build partnerships between the Government of Canada and Indigenous and coastal communities to better protect our waters.
Since 2016, under the Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada has invested in scientific research and solutions to help make our response to marine incidents-especially oil spills-more efficient and comprehensive. Investments announced today will continue to advance this work and expand it to more areas, including:
The Government of Canada is committed to continuing to work meaningfully with First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and coastal communities in delivering the Oceans Protection Plan and respecting the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Today's funding announcement aims to continue advancing this work, and offers new opportunities for Indigenous Peoples and coastal communities to:
The Oceans Protection Plan is a Canadian success story. When Indigenous Peoples, industry, communities, scientists, and government work together to protect our environment, grow our economy, and support good jobs across the country, we deliver real results. This renewed and expanded Oceans Protection Plan will keep our oceans and coasts safe and healthy; will advance reconciliation, and build a clean future for our children and grandchildren.
"Over the past six years, the Oceans Protection Plan has made marine shipping safer, increased protections for vulnerable marine ecosystems and species, and improved how we respond to marine incidents. As part of this next phase of the Oceans Protection Plan, we are ready to build on this good work-together with Indigenous Peoples, industry, coastal communities, and scientists-to keep our oceans and coastlines safe and environmentally sound for generations to come."
The Honourable Omar Alghabra
Minister of Transport
"Through the Oceans Protection Plan, so much has already been accomplished because of vital partnerships with Indigenous Peoples, coastal communities, scientists, and industry. The next phase ensures we can continue the important work of protecting Canada's oceans."
The Honourable Joyce Murray
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
"Oceans are vital to our future in many ways, from fighting climate change to providing a sustainable way of life. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis have been stewards of land and water for generations, and their Traditional Knowledge, leadership and experience is central in Canada's strategy for protecting and conserving nature. Through the Oceans Protection Plan, we're working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to learn more about sensitive species and coastal areas so we can better prevent pollution and reduce potential impacts from emergencies."
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault
Minister of Environment and Climate Change
"With the longest coastline in the world, Canadians understand the importance of preserving the health of our oceans for future generations. The results from the last six years are clear and the renewed and expanded Oceans Protection Plan will continue to enhance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of Canada's marine activities. This includes advancing research on marine pollution, ecosystems, and wildlife, and advancing important partnerships with Indigenous and coastal communities. This is a critical part of our collaborative effort to support vital jobs, grow local economies, and build more resilient coastal communities."
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Natural Resources
"These new investments will enable us to formally integrate human health considerations when responding to marine incidents to ensure safe waters and healthy coastlines. As we work on the next phase of this important initiative with all of our partners, including Indigenous Peoples, coastal communities, marine industry, and scientists, the Oceans Protection Plan will better prepare Canada to proactively mitigate and respond to marine pollution incidents, while strengthening evidence-based decision-making."
The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Health
Since 2016, the Government of Canada has dedicated $3.5 billion to the Oceans Protection Plan, making it the largest investment Canada has ever made to protect its coasts and waterways.
Since its launch, activities under the Oceans Protection Plan have:
On September 30, 2022, Minister Alghabra announced an investment of $50 million in capacity funding to directly support Indigenous partnerships in the Oceans Protection Plan.
The funding announced today is part of the Government of Canada's Budget 2022 commitment to provide an additional $2 billion to renew the Oceans Protection Plan over nine years to expand its work into new areas.
Through the next phase of the Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada is further improving how Canada responds to marine emergencies by further strengthening partnerships with Indigenous Peoples for the greater protection, preservation and restoration of our shared oceans and waterways.
Nadine Ramadan
Press Secretary and Communications Advisor
Office of the Honourable Omar Alghabra
Minister of Transport, Ottawa
[email protected]
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
[email protected]