Coastal First Nations have an intimate knowledge of lands and waters in their territory, and are often the first on the scene when there’s an emergency on the water. When they are empowered to manage these environments, everyone benefits. Today, the Government of Canada and the Heiltsuk Nation are announcing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) committing both organizations to work together to enhance the Nation’s role in marine environmental response within the Heiltsuk territory.

“Indigenous peoples have been stewards of the natural environment for centuries and they are leading the way in ocean protections. That’s why our government is working with the Heiltsuk Nation to develop a new Marine Emergency Response Team that will strengthen Canada’s ability to respond to environmental incidents off the West Coast.  Like all coastal First Nations, the Heiltsuk people have an intimate knowledge of the waters and coastlines we are protecting. Partnering with them is not just the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do.”

The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“This agreement builds on the successes achieved through the Oceans Protection Plan by recognizing the Heiltsuk Nation’s deep ties and knowledge of coastal waters and providing them with a role to play in local marine safety. Besides making local waters safer for vessels and the community, the work which will come from this agreement will create jobs for this coastal community.”

The Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister, Transport Canada

“The Heiltsuk Nation has an obligation to take care of our territory, and this includes protecting it from oil spills. Developing a Marine Emergency Response Team is an important step towards fulfilling our vision of having full capacity to respond to pollution incidents in our territory.”

K̓áwáziɫ Marilyn Slett, Chief Councillor, Heiltsuk Nation

“We look forward to carrying out this important initiative that will ensure that our community’s responders are prepared to protect our resources from pollution. This MOU signing represents progress in our collaboration with Transport Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard.”

Wígvíɫba-Wákas Harvey Humchitt, Hereditary Chief, Heiltsuk Nation

• In January 2017, Heiltsuk and Canada entered into the Haíłcistut: Framework Agreement for Reconciliation (the “Framework Agreement”). This Framework Agreement established a shared vision for reconciliation and identified the community priorities most important to Heiltsuk. In September 2018, Heiltsuk and Canada amended the Framework Agreement to include agreement to create a more collaborative, coordinated and efficient approach to marine response and oceans protection.

• The MOU builds upon work accomplished through Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan. Initiatives under the Plan are making marine shipping safer, better protecting marine species, and improving Canada’s ability to prevent and respond to marine incidents. This progress is a result of collaboration with Indigenous peoples, coastal communities, the marine industry, and academia. 

• The Government of Canada is currently seeking input on the development of its new Blue Economy Strategy, which will outline a vision for Canada’s ocean-related sectors and guide government actions and investments toward the goal of a sustainable, ocean economy.

Associated links

• Blue Economy Strategy
• Protecting our Coasts - Oceans Protection Plan
• Let’s Talk – Oceans Protection Plan
• Oceans Protection Plan Report to Canadians
• Marine 101: How is the Oceans Protection Plan improving marine safety?

Jane Deeks
Press Secretary                                                            
Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans                   
and the Canadian Coast Guard                                     
343-550-9594
Jane.Deeks@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Livia Belcea
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport
613-991-0700
Livia-Marina.belcea@tc.gc.ca 

Media Relations
Transport Canada
613-993-0055
media@tc.gc.ca

Marilyn Slett
Chief Councillor, Heiltsuk Nation
250-957-7721
marilyn.slett@heiltsuk.ca

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