No. H 058/09
For release - April 9, 2009
OTTAWA — Canada's Transport Minister, John Baird, and the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment, today announced federal government support for a joint Canada–U.S. proposal to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to establish an Emission Control Area (ECA) in North American coastal waters.
The proposal will help reduce air pollution, smog and acid rain and benefit human health in coastal areas and further inland.
The proposed Canada–US ECA will subject large ships operating in the designated areas to stringent standards. Specifically, the measures will reduce their nitrogen oxides emissions by 80 per cent and sulphur oxides by 96 per cent. Emissions of fine particles will also be reduced.
"Since we share waterways, economic ties and an environment, it just makes sense that Canada and the United States work together to reduce pollution from shipping and keep people healthy," said Minister Baird.
"This proposal is of particular importance to Canada–U.S. cooperative efforts to reduce transboundary air pollution and its effects on the health of Canadians and our ecosystems," said Minister Prentice. "An Emission Control Area will significantly reduce air pollution levels on our coasts, which means cleaner air to breathe and fewer pollutants deposited in our forests, wetlands, lakes and rivers."
An IMO committee will review the proposed ECA this July, with formal adoption expected in March 2010. Once approved, Transport Canada will develop supporting regulations under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. The Government of Canada is confident that these stringent emission standards will improve the environment and the health of Canadians.
The government has consulted with stakeholders in the marine industry, provincial governments, environmental groups and community groups in both countries over the last three years. Stakeholders can also provide comments as the proposal makes it way through the international approval process at the IMO.
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