The Government of Canada's Oceans Protection Plan supports the removal and disposal of abandoned boats in Bridgewater Français
BRIDGEWATER, NS, June 27, 2018 /CNW/ - Canada's coastlines are a source of inspiration and pride. Even for Canadians living inland, many of the jobs that support middle-class families, and the products used every day, depend on Canada's waterways. These coastlines are one of our most valuable resources, and with them come tremendous responsibility to protect them.
Abandoned boats are a growing problem across Canada. The Government of Canada, through the Oceans Protection Plan, is working diligently to deter this irresponsible practice. Bernadette Jordan, Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margaret's, today, was in Bridgewater on behalf of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport to announce funding recipients through Canada's Abandoned Boats Program. This $6.85 million program provides funding to support the assessment, removal and disposal of abandoned boats from communities across Canada.
More than $110,000 will be granted for the following organizations to assess 31 boats that litter shores on the East Coast:
- Nova Scotia Lands (Nova Scotia) - $105,285
- St. Anthony Port Authority (Newfoundland) - $5,000
Assessments help identify safety issues, environmental impact, recycling value and costs associated with removing an abandoned boat. Once an assessment is completed, applicants may apply for funding under the Abandoned Boats Program to have a boat removed and disposed.
The $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan is the largest investment ever made to protect Canada's coasts and waterways. This national strategy is creating a world-leading marine safety system that provides economic opportunities for Canadians today, while protecting our coastlines and clean water for generations to come. The strategy is being developed in close collaboration with Indigenous peoples, local stakeholders and coastal communities.
Quotes
"The Oceans Protection Plan's Abandoned Boats Program addresses the negative effects of abandoned vessels, like the ones in Bridgewater. Congratulations to all selected communities for working with us to address environmental pollution and hazards to navigation caused by these abandoned vessels."
Bernadette Jordan
Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margaret's
"Through the Abandoned Boats Program, funding for the assessment, removal and disposal of abandoned boats is safeguarding Bridgewater's shorelines. The Government of Canada has created this program to protect our coastal livelihoods, our economy, as well as our Canadian identity."
The Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport
Quick Facts
- Other important measures undertaken by the Government of Canada include improving vessel owner identification, creating an inventory of vessels and assessing their risks, and establishing a robust polluter pays approach for vessel clean up.
- A third call for proposals under the assessment and removal component of the Abandoned Boats Program was launched on April 3, 2018, and will remain open until March 31, 2019. Additional calls for proposal will be issued later in 2019.
- To help stem the flow of problem vessels, the Government of Canada has proposed new legislation governing wrecked, abandoned, and hazardous vessels. The Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act (Bill C-64) will bring the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks, 2007, into Canadian law and strengthen vessel owner liability.
Backgrounder
Associated Links
- Protecting our Coasts - Oceans Protection Plan
- Let's Talk – Oceans Protection Plan
- Abandoned boats and wrecks
- Abandoned Boats Programs - Projects for 2017-18
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SOURCE Transport Canada
Delphine Denis, Attachée de presse, Cabinet de l'honorable Marc Garneau, Ministre des Transport, Ottawa, 613-991-0700, [email protected]; Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055, [email protected], Media Inquiries; Communications, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard, 613-990-7537, [email protected]
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