Government of Canada supports removal of abandoned boats through the Oceans Protection Plan

News release

Sept. 22, 2018 – Victoria, British Columbia

Canada’s coasts and waterways are an important part of Canadian identity. Our coasts enable the export of our goods overseas and the import of foreign goods into Canada. They are home to Canadian fisheries, attract tourism, and support coastal communities’ livelihoods and Indigenous cultures and ways of life.

Abandoned boats are a growing problem across Canada, and the Government of Canada, under the Oceans Protection Plan, is working diligently to deter this practice. Today, Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government Joyce Murray announced, on behalf of the Minister of Transport the Honourable Marc Garneau, the most recent applicants to receive funding under the Abandoned Boats Program. This program provides money to support the assessment, removal, and disposal of abandoned boats in Canadian waters.

A total of $31,346 will be provided to remove six boats that litter the shores of British Columbia. Recipients are:

  • Bowen Island Municipality (Bowen Island) – $5,250
  • Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (Vancouver) – $6,411
  • Salish Sea Industrial Services (Victoria) – $19,685

Under the Abandoned Boats Program, a total of $6.85 million will be allocated under the Oceans Protection Plan—a $1.5 billion initiative which is the largest investment ever made to protect Canada’s coasts and waterways. This national strategy is creating a world-leading marine safety system that provides economic opportunities for Canadians today, while protecting our coastlines for generations to come. The strategy is being developed in close collaboration with Indigenous peoples, local stakeholders, and coastal communities.

Quotes

“With the Abandoned Boats Program, the Government of Canada has made a meaningful investment to help clean up local communities. Congratulations to the successful applicants for working with us to keep British Columbia beautiful, and to address environmental pollution and hazards to navigation caused by these abandoned wrecks.”

Joyce Murray
Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government

“Under the Oceans Protection Plan, we continue to do excellent work to strengthen, beautify, and safeguard our coasts and waterways for future generations. I am pleased to witness municipalities, ports, and private companies coming together to support the Government of Canada in its ambitious goals.”

The Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport

Quick facts

  • Since May 31, 2017, the Abandoned Boats Program has launched three calls for proposals for projects to be funded through grants and contributions, the most recent of which will remain open until March 31, 2019. To date, funding has been approved for the assessment of 86 boats for a total of $265,060, and for the removal of 20 boats for a total of $136,746.

  • To help stem the flow of problem vessels, the Government of Canada has also proposed new legislation. The Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act (Bill C-64) will increase vessel owner liability, and strengthen the Government’s response in cases where owners do not behave responsibly with regards to disposal of their boats.

  • Other important measures undertaken by the Government of Canada include improving vessel owner identification, creating an inventory of vessels and assessing their risks, and establishing a polluter pays approach for vessel clean-up.

Associated links

Contacts

Follow Transport Canada on Twitter : @Transport_gc ‏

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

Media Inquiries

Communications
Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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