Under the Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada is investing $94.3 million over five years to make Arctic re-supply operations faster, safer, and more efficient for remote communities. This investment is expected to help Northerners protect their communities and livelihoods with a marine safety system that will prevent and respond to marine safety and pollution incidents.
Namely, the ‘Safety Equipment and Basic Marine Infrastructure in Northern Communities’ initiative seeks to provide on-the-ground equipment and infrastructure, along with training on how to use and maintain it.
Transport Canada is now accepting proposals from the governments of Nunavut and Northwest Territories for projects to be funded by the $94.3 million fund. Territorial governments will work with local communities, Inuit and Indigenous peoples, and stakeholders to assess needs.
Marc Garneau, Canada’s Minister of Transport, commented:
Northern communities rely on marine re-supply operations to receive up to 95% of their goods. The Government of Canada is protecting the health of our Arctic coast and water, and enhancing the safety and security of these re-supply operations.
The $1.5-billion Oceans Protection Plan -the largest investment ever made to protect Canada’s coasts and waterways- aims to create a world-leading marine safety system, while preserving ecosystems, creating strong Indigenous partnerships and engaging coastal communities.
Michael V. Mcleod, Member of Parliament, said:
Partnership and collaboration at the local level is key to the success of Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan. Investing in safety equipment and marine infrastructure for our communities will help ensure marine shipping is safe and managed responsibly. This way, we’ll be better prepared to protect our marine ecosystem and our community.
Joe Savikataaq, Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, added:
Government of Nunavut“The Government of Nunavut cannot overstate the importance of sealift operations to Nunavummiut. Our communities rely on it for fuel, building supplies, equipment, non-perishable food and dry goods. I am pleased that the Federal Government has recognized the importance of this life line, and has created opportunities for us to work together to improve the safety and efficiency of our re-supply.
Under the plan, the Canadian government also announced introduction of the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act (Bill C-64) in Parliament, while the plan has given priority on assessing the environmental effects of shipping, on enhancing marine pollution prevention and responsiveness, as well as reducing local marine traffic issues impacting marine life.
