Statement by Member of Parliament David Graham on changes to Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations
Statements
December 13, 2017 Ottawa Transport Canada
Today, Member of Parliament David Graham issued the following statement on behalf of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport:
“The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all commercial and recreational users of Canadian waterways while respecting the environment.
“The Regulations Amending the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations, published in Part II of the Canada Gazette today, enhance safety on Lac Sainte-Marie in the municipality of Nominingue, Quebec. The updated Regulations will prohibit the use of all power-driven vessels and implement a maximum speed limit of 10 km/h for vessels driven by electrical propulsion. The municipality will need to inform the users of Lac Sainte-Marie of the new Regulations, and post appropriate signs so that the Regulations can be enforced for the next boating season.
“The regulations will also ban all vessels in the lower portion of the Niagara River, south of Whirlpool and north of the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission in the City of Niagara Falls, Ontario. This portion of the river is extremely dangerous and emergency response in the area is very limited.
“In addition, changes to the regulations will correct the geographical coordinates for existing restrictions in 20 bodies of water in Quebec, one body of water in Ontario, and 42 in British Columbia.
“Each year, Transport Canada receives applications from local authorities to impose or amend restrictions to enhance navigation safety, to safeguard the environment, or to protect public interest. I am pleased that Transport Canada is reviewing the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations application process and has consulted with stakeholders across the country and listened to the people of Nominingue. I look forward to the proposed amendments which will modernize these regulations and enhance the safety of commercial and recreational navigation on Canadian waters.
For more information please contact:
Delphine Denis
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Delphine.denis@tc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
media@tc.gc.ca