Canada Celebrates the Opening of the Fifth International Marine Protected Area Congress  (IMPAC5)  

Vancouver, British Columbia – The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, will join the Host First Nations – xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) – in welcoming participants to the Fifth International Marine Protected Area Congress (IMPAC5).

Minister Murray and the host First Nations will also be joined by the Province of British Columbia, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, whose partnership has made this congress possible. 

Taking place from February 3– 9, this global ocean event brings together ocean conservation professionals and high-level officials to inform, inspire and act on marine protected areas. IMPAC5 promises to be an opportunity for learning, discussion, and collaboration on some of the most challenging issues facing our oceans. 

Media are invited to attend the opening ceremonies, including words of welcome from partners, and film or take photographs.

 Date: February 3, 2023

Time: 3:00 pm PST

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre, Ballrooms B, C & D 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 0C3

*Access to the venue:

• On-site participation in this event is for IMPAC5-accredited media only.
• Media must be in possession of an accreditation badge to access the venue. If you are not already registered, please allow time to obtain your badge.

*Access to the teleconference:

Media planning to attend the event are required to contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada Pacific Region Media Relations at media.pac@dfo-mpo.gc.ca to register by Friday, February 3 at 10:00 a.m. PST. A confirmation email containing instructions for participating in the conference will only be provided to media representatives who have registered.