$1.5 billion in ocean protection funds on the way for Canada

Monday, November 7, 2016, 7:34 PM - The federal government announced a $1.5 billion marine safety plan on Monday; a program that aims to make Canada a leader in protecting Earth's greatest natural resources.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau outlined the plan this afternoon in Vancouver - the culmination of work done over the past two years according to the government's official release.

The $1.5 billion plan is expected to be implemented next year, with the funding being spread over the following five years.

The plan includes numerous separate initiatives for each of the western, eastern, and northern shores of the country, including the construction and refurbishment of Canadian Coast Guard lifeboat stations, regional oil spill response plans, and studies into the behaviours of marine mammals and their ecosystems.

In speaking to the assembled group in Vancouver, Trudeau said, "Canada has the longest coastline in the world ... it's a poorly kept secret that we haven't done enough to protect it," CTV News reported.

"Through the Oceans Protection Plan, Canada's world-leading marine safety system will respond better, quicker and more effectively to marine spills and incidents along all of our coasts and major waterways, including in Atlantic Canada. In addition, preventative measures will help ensure marine spills and incidents do not happen in the first place. Most importantly, this work will be done in strong partnership with Indigenous and coastal communities, valuing their traditional knowledge and expertise in preserving our coasts and their pristine beauty for generations to come." The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport

Also part of the plan is new legislation for vessel owner responsibility and liability, and a crack down on businesses that cause coastal pollution.

B.C. Premier Christy Clark told The Globe and Mail the plan is "exactly what she was looking for"; the province and the federal government have been in talks over a West Coast marine response system for much of the past year.

The protection plan's announcement comes just days after a barge carrying sand and gravel flipped off the B.C. coast near Bella Bella, and a month after a similar incident sank the Nathan E. Stewart, leaking some 220,000 litres of diesel into the water in the same area.

Sources: Government of Canada | CTV News | CBC News | Toronto Star | Globe and Mail |