Subjects: EXE, ECO, ENI
Government of Canada marks World Maritime Day 2017
OTTAWA, Sept. 28, 2017 /CNW/ - The maritime sector plays a crucial role in the daily lives of Canadians. With more than 90 per cent of trade transiting through our major ports, Canada's economy depends on the safe and efficient movement of goods by sea.
As an active member of the International Maritime Organization, Canada joins 171 other Member States and three Associate Members in marking World Maritime Day. This year's theme of connecting ships, ports and people highlights the importance of working together to develop a strong, stable and sustainable maritime sector. The theme also focuses on the importance of facilitating marine transportation, promoting navigational safety and protecting the marine environment.
In May 2017, Canada demonstrated its commitment to marine safety by hosting the Third Joint Ministerial Conference of the Paris and Tokyo Memoranda of Understanding on Port State Control in Vancouver. At the close of the conference, representatives signed a ministerial declaration that reinforces international efforts to comply with standards for vessel safety, environmental protection and working conditions on board vessels.
Trade by sea contributes significantly to our economic well-being and all Canadians benefit from maritime activities that are safe and efficient, and that respect the people on ships and at ports. International harmonization of standards ensures the safe operation of vessels, adequate working conditions for crew members, proper handling of cargoes and the protection of the environment.
The Government of Canada is also taking action to achieve a world-leading marine safety system that protects and preserves our coasts. Through the Oceans Protection Plan, a $1.5-billion strategy launched in November 2016, the Government is building a state-of-the art marine transportation system that supports our trade and economic goals, moving goods and natural resource products to new markets.
For more information, visit World Maritime Day 2017.
Quote
"World Maritime Day highlights the hard work of people connected to the marine transportation supply chain and their essential contribution to promote safe, secure and environmentally sound shipping. Canada actively supports the International Maritime Organization and works with Member States and Associate Members to achieve those goals"
The Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport
Quick Facts
- The Government of Canada will invest $10.1 billion over the next 11 years in trade and transportation projects to build stronger, more efficient transportation corridors to international markets and help Canadian businesses compete, grow and create more jobs for Canada's middle class.
- In May 2017, Canada, with representatives of more than 40 countries in Europe and the Pacific Rim, signed a Ministerial Declaration on Port State Control. This Declaration is a commitment to protect our oceans by eliminating substandard shipping practices and advancing international ship safety.
- The International Maritime Organization is the global, standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.
Associated Links
Trade and Transportation Corridors Initiative
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SOURCE Transport Canada
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