Government of Canada is making Arctic re-supply operations safer and more efficient for remote northern communities, through the Oceans Protection Plan

OTTAWA, April 17, 2018 /CNW/ - Protecting the marine environment and all users of Canada's oceans and waterways is of paramount importance. That is why the Government of Canada, under the Oceans Protection Plan, is investing $94.3 million over five years to make Arctic re-supply operations faster, safer, and more efficient for remote communities. The Safety Equipment and Basic Marine Infrastructure in Northern Communities initiative is providing 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. 

This investment will help Northerners protect their communities and livelihoods with a marine safety system that is better positioned to prevent and respond to marine safety and pollution incidents.

The $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan is the largest investment ever made to protect Canada's coasts and waterways. Through this plan, the Government of Canada is creating a world-leading marine safety system that provides economic opportunities for Canadians today, while protecting our coasts and waterways for generations to come. This work is being done in close collaboration with Inuit and Indigenous peoples, local stakeholders and northern communities. 

Quotes

"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. Through our Government's Oceans Protection Plan, we are working with local communities, Inuit and Indigenous peoples to provide critical jobs while protecting Canada's Arctic coast and water for future generations."

The Honourable Marc Garneau
Canada's Minister of Transport

"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."

Michael V. Mcleod
Member of Parliament
Northwest Territories

"The Government of the Northwest Territories is pleased to have federal funding to improve the safety and efficiency of our Mackenzie River and high Arctic marine transportation corridor. This corridor is a critical piece of our northern transportation system, serving some of Canada's northernmost residents, and supporting economic development in a region increasingly being recognized as an area of opportunity."

The Honourable Wally Schumann
Minister of Infrastructure
Government of Northwest Territories

"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."

The Honourable Joe Savikataaq
Minister of Economic Development and Transportation
Government of Nunavut

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada, under the Oceans Protection Plan, is investing $94.3 million over four five years to make Arctic re-supply operations faster, safer, and more efficient for remote Arctic communities.
• This federal investments supports safer community re-supply operations in northern communities by funding safety equipment and basic marine infrastructure, along with training to use and maintain it.

Associated Links

• Protecting our Coasts - Oceans Protection Plan
• Safety Equipment and Basic Marine Infrastructure for Northern Communities initiative

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SOURCE Transport Canada

For further information: Delphine Denis, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, Ottawa, 613-991-0700, [e-mail]; Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055, [e-mail]

Related Links

www.tc.gc.ca