Statement on the Announcement of a New Reconciliation Framework Agreement for Bioregional Oceans Management and Protection

VANCOUVER, June 21, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, on National Indigenous People's Day, the Chamber of Shipping welcomes the Prime Minister's announcement of a new Reconciliation Framework Agreement for Bioregional Oceans Management and Protection. This is a critically important step in an effort towards reconciliation and underlines a commitment by the Government of Canada to work with Central and North Coast First Nations to develop and manage marine initiatives on the Pacific Coast.

Moving forward, the Chamber will continue to be a collaborative partner with coastal First Nations' communities and the federal government, providing credible industry and shipping knowledge that is rooted in marine safety and environmental responsibility. This is especially true for British Columbia's Central and North Coast, one of the richest marine ecosystems in the world and of enormous cultural significance to the people who live there; sensibly and safely protecting it should always be a top priority.

"Northern BC affords significant opportunities for economic development and capacity to facilitate international trade, all of which must be achieved with the highest level of protection for our coastal marine ecosystem, including better marine spatial planning," stated the Chamber of Shipping's President Robert Lewis-Manning. "We as a country only stand to continue to benefit from coastal First Nations' voices. Their traditional local knowledge and innovative approaches to managing risk from coastal shipping are important towards the overall planning, implementation, and integration of marine planning initiatives."

The Chamber of Shipping on behalf of its members remains committed to the vigorous protection of Canada's pristine coastlines and has been proud to lend its voice to the chorus of support for the government's Oceans Protection Plan, including its important work with coastal First Nations' communities.

About Chamber of Shipping
The Chamber of Shipping represents commercial carriers and their agents in Canada which trade internationally and domestically. The marine transportation sector is vital to supporting Canadian trade and our continued prosperity and high standard of living depend on our ability to deliver resources, goods, and people in a responsible and competitive manner. Canada remains a strong trading nation, with one in five Canadian jobs and more than 60 per cent of our gross domestic product directly linked to exports.

SOURCE Chamber of Shipping of British Columbia