No. H080/11
For release - September 2, 2011
OTTAWA — The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced funding of close to $400,000 for eight projects under Transport Canada's Boating Safety Class Contribution Program.
"Our government is committed to reducing boating fatalities and injuries," said Minister Lebel. "We are very pleased to be working with stakeholders on worthy projects aimed at that shared goal."
This year's funding recipients under the Boating Safety Class Contribution Program are:
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada);
- the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC);
- the Regional District of Alberni-Clayoquot;
- the Lifesaving Society (Alberta Branch);
- Paddle Canada;
- the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA Canada);
- Conseil québécois du nautisme; and
- Société de sauvetage (Quebec Branch).
Data collected over the past two decades indicate that the majority of boating-related deaths in Canada were linked to recreational boating activities such as fishing, powerboating and canoeing, often in small open boats on inland rivers and lakes.
Transport Canada's Office of Boating Safety works closely with the recreational boating community to reduce the safety risks and environmental impacts of boating on Canadian waters. It supports prevention-based programs, and encourages safe boating practices and compliance with safety regulations.
"I would also like to remind all Canadians taking to the water that simple measures like wearing a life-jacket can prevent needless tragedies," added Minister Lebel.
If you are a boater, diver, angler, hunter or water sports enthusiast, there are rules and information you should be aware of. For the latest information on how to stay safe on Canadian waters, visit www.boatingsafety.gc.ca.
A backgrounder on the Boating Safety Class Contribution Program is attached.
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In order to promote boating safety in Canada, Transport Canada established the five-year Boating Safety Class Contribution Program.
Now in its third year, the program's overall goal remains to promote boating safety in Canada by providing financial contributions, consisting of up to 75-per-cent reimbursement of eligible costs incurred, toward projects that advance boating safety awareness and focus on the importance of following safe boating practices.
Program Objectives
- Raise public awareness of boating safety issues.
- Increase the number of pleasure craft (or small boat) operators who follow safe boating practices.
- Improve national boating incident data quality and collection systems to support evidence-based awareness and education initiatives.
- Contribute to the reduction in loss of life, injuries and property damage due to boating accidents.
Eligible Recipients
In order to be eligible to participate in this program, an organization must qualify as one of the following eligible recipients and be able to produce documentation (see note) establishing or constituting itself as an entity at time of application:
- not-for-profit non-governmental organizations;
- public safety organizations;
- educational institutions;
- healthcare institutes;
- entities associated with facilities specializing in safety and medical research;
- enforcement services; and
- provincial, territorial and municipal governments.
Note: Suitable documentation would include letters patent, articles and certificates of incorporation, or other legal instruments establishing or constituting a potential recipient as an entity.
To apply, or for more information, please visit:
www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-contrib-prgm-menu-2273.htm
Note: Existing funding for 2011-2012 from projects approved in 2010-2011 — Total $143,500
September 2011
