No. H045/11
For release - June 24, 2011
OTTAWA — In recognition of June 25, the Day of the Seafarer, the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, encourages Canadians to show their support to all those who work on ships in Canada and abroad.
"Tomorrow will be an opportunity for us all to pay special tribute to seafarers, who keep people and goods moving safely and efficiently, often under challenging conditions," said Minister Lebel. "We can be proud of the Canadian men and women who earn a living at sea and help this country prosper through their hard work and dedication."
Last year, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) declared June 25 the annual Day of the Seafarer to mark the unique and often overlooked contributions seafarers make to international seaborne trade, the world economy and civil society as a whole. This special day is also an opportunity to educate the public about issues facing modern-day seafarers.
This year, the IMO has launched an online campaign and is asking people to voice their support for the world's 1.5 million seafarers through social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
"Canada, the first official member state of the IMO, is proud to support seafarers on this special day," added Minister Lebel. "I encourage people to join the campaign and show seafarers their gratitude."
In 2009 in Canada, $152.2 billion was handled in international trade. Internationally, ships carry more than 90 per cent of world trade. The IMO is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping, and for preventing marine pollution by ships.
For further information about the Day of the Seafarer, visit www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/rsqa-imo-3979.
To participate in the IMO's Day of the Seafarer 2011 campaign, go to www.imo.org/About/Events/Pages/Day-of-the-Seafarer.aspx.
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