No. H069/12
For release - June 25, 2012
OTTAWA — June 25 is the Day of the Seafarer. To mark the occasion, the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, encourages all Canadians to show their support for those who work on ships in Canada and around the world.
“Today we honour seafarers for their contribution to international trade and the global economy,” said Minister Lebel. “These men and women keep people and goods moving across the globe, often at great personal sacrifice. It is important to acknowledge how their dedication and hard work help keep Canada and other nations prosperous.”
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) declared June 25 the annual Day of the Seafarer in 2011.
It is an occasion for people everywhere to pay tribute to the vital role the world’s 1.5 million seafarers play in the global economy. Ships carry more than 90 per cent of international trade, and it is because of seafarers that these goods are moved to market safely, efficiently and with minimal impact on the environment.
The theme of this year’s campaign is “It came by the sea and I can’t live without it.” People around the world are invited to share their appreciation for something they rely upon that was brought to market by sea. Visit the IMO’s website to see how you can join the discussion.
“Canadians are proud to participate again this year,” said Minister Lebel. “Celebrating this day is an excellent way to recognize what seafarers do for us all and to express our thanks.”
For more information about the Day of the Seafarer, visit http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/rsqa-imo-3979.htm
Contacts:
Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to e-news or stay connected through RSS, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr to keep up to date on the latest from Transport Canada.
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