Government of Canada invests in marine training for women, Inuit and Indigenous communities through the Oceans Protection Plan

OTTAWA, Feb. 2, 2018 /CNW/ - Indigenous coastal and Inuit communities share ties to Canada's oceans that span generations. They value the oceans as a source of livelihood, food security, and transportation routes. The Oceans Protection Plan is providing Indigenous and Inuit peoples with new opportunities to protect, preserve, and restore Canada's oceans and sea routes.That is why the Government of Canada, under the Oceans Protection Plan, is providing $12.6 million over three years to the Nunavut Fisheries and Marine Training Consortium to deliver a Marine Training Program in the North.

The Marine Training Program will reduce barriers to marine training for underrepresented groups in the marine labour force, such as women, Northerners, Inuit and Indigenous peoples. The Nunavut Fisheries and Marine Training Consortium will establish a marine training facility in Hay River, Northwest Territories through partnership with the Government of Northwest Territories. The Consortium will also expand its existing training program in Nunavut and Nunavik. Funding will help curricula development and the purchase of new specialized marine training equipment.

This investment will help Northerners better protect their communities and livelihoods by providing them with a meaningful role in local marine emergency response and coastal and waterway management.

The $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan 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. This work is being done in close collaboration with Inuit and Indigenous peoples, local stakeholders and coastal communities. 

Quotes

"This funding reflects our Government's commitment to create a well-trained Northern marine labour force reflective of Canada's diverse population, strengthen the safety of Canada's marine transportation system and protect our coasts for future generations."

The Honourable Marc Garneau
Canada's Minister of Transport

"The Mackenzie River truly is our marine highway to the Arctic Ocean, and the Government of the Northwest Territories is pleased to see the establishment of the Marine Training Program in Hay River. Providing marine training in the north for northerners creates jobs and economic opportunities, improves the security, safety and resiliency of our marine operations and supports the potential of the north to better contribute to the Canadian economy."

The Honourable Wally Schumann
Minister of Infrastructure
Government of Northwest Territories

"Nunavut Fisheries and Marine Training is excited to deliver marine training that will provide Northerners, women, Indigenous Peoples and Inuit with the skills they require to become part of the ever-expanding marine industry in Canada's Arctic. We anticipate training upwards of 150 people annually over the course of the project in many facets of the marine industry and environmental response.  Our philosophy has always been Northern jobs should be filled by Northerners. We look forward to strengthening existing partnerships and building new ones in this endeavour."

Jeffrey Maurice, Chair
Nunavut Fisheries and Marine Training Consortium

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada funding agreement with the Nunavut Fisheries and Marine Training Consortium will improve local access to marine training throughout Canada's Arctic.
• The Oceans Protection Plan, through the Marine Training Program, will contribute to the development of marine training programs and curricula on marine safety and environmental protection that reflects Inuit and Indigenous traditional knowledge and culturally-appropriate material.

Associated Links

• Protecting our Coasts - Oceans Protection Plan
• Marine Training Program

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SOURCE Transport Canada