No. H138/13
For release - October 18, 2013
OTTAWA — Today, the Minister of Transport reintroduced in the House of Commons the Safeguarding Canada’s Seas and Skies Act, an important piece of legislation first tabled in Parliament on March 18, 2013, as part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive measures to establish a World-Class Tanker Safety System.
“As the Speech from the Throne reiterated this week, our Government remains committed to protecting Canada’s coasts and shores and building a world-class tanker safety system in Canada”, said the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport.
Proposed amendments to the Marine Liability Act will fill a critical gap in the current liability and compensation regime and implement a new international convention that covers incidents involving hazardous and noxious substances carried by ships. In addition, proposed amendments to the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 will strengthen the current requirements for spill prevention and preparedness at oil handling facilities; increase Transport Canada’s oversight and enforcement capacity; and enhance response to oil spill incidents.
“As part of our plan for Responsible Resource Development, our Government is enhancing Canada’s tanker safety system to ensure it meets world-class standards,” said the Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources. “The Safeguarding Canada’s Seas and Skies Act is an important step in ensuring the safe and reliable transport of Canada’s natural resources.”
Responsible Resource Development (RRD) achieves the right balance to unleash the potential of our resource sectors to create high-value jobs across Canada while strengthening safety and environmental protection. For more information on RRD: http://actionplan.gc.ca/en/initiative/responsible-resource-development
In addition, the Canada Seas and Skies Act also enacts the Aviation Industry Indemnity Act, which stemmed from consultation with the Canadian airline industry and enables Canada’s air industry to have the aviation war-risk coverage it needs in times of difficulty.
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