Government of Canada provides over $2.5 million to four British Columbia coastal communities to increase availability of maritime data

November 30, 2018       Victoria

Protecting the marine environment and all users of Canada's oceans and waterways is of paramount importance. The Government of Canada, under the Oceans Protection Plan, is making sure our coasts are protected in a modern and advanced way.

Today, the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport announced that over $2.5 million in funding has been awarded to four coastal communities in British Columbia for their role in a pilot project to develop, test and evaluate a new maritime awareness information system in Canada.

The funding will go to the Council of the Haida Nation and the Gitga’at Nation, who are hosting two pilot projects on the North and Central Coast of British Columbia. Also receiving funding is the T’Sou-ke Nation and the Pacheedaht Nation, as neighbouring nations, who are hosting a shared pilot project on the South Coast of Vancouver Island.

Transport Canada is working in partnership with Indigenous and coastal communities on a new maritime awareness information system, identifying the types of information that should be included in the system, discussing local priorities and building partnerships. In total, ten Indigenous communities, governments and organizations from across Canada’s coasts will be piloting the new system.

The new maritime awareness information system will be web-based, user-friendly, and will increase access and expand the type of maritime data available to Indigenous peoples, coastal communities and other stakeholders.

The system will display a range of valuable near real-time data and maritime information, including vessel traffic and weather information. The funding announced today will provide local communities with the resources to put in place infrastructure, internet and equipment necessary to test this new system over the course of one year, starting in spring 2019.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of programs and initiatives launched under the OPP, and the Enhanced Maritime Situational Awareness Initiative plays an important role in working together to create greater efficiencies, stronger partnerships and a sustainable marine safety system.

This funding was made available under the $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan (OPP), which is the largest investment ever made to protect Canada’s coasts and waterways. Through this plan, the Government of Canada is creating a world-leading marine safety system that provides economic opportunities for Canadians today, while protecting our coasts and waterways for generations to come.