Government of Canada Invests Heavily in Marine Safety and Indigenous Communities through Oceans Protection Plan
February 4, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario – The Government of Canada is making significant investments in marine safety and supporting Indigenous communities through the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP). This multi-year plan, launched in 2016, aims to protect Canada’s coasts and waterways from threats like oil spills and marine pollution.
Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Joyce Murray, announced a series of new initiatives under the OPP totaling over $500 million.
Key Investments in Marine Safety:
- Enhanced Surveillance and Response: $150 million to improve surveillance systems, such as radar and satellite technology, to detect potential threats and respond quickly to incidents.
- Modernized Search and Rescue Equipment: $100 million to purchase new search and rescue vessels, helicopters, and other essential equipment to enable swift and effective rescues.
- Training and Capacity Building: $50 million to provide training opportunities for marine safety professionals, including First Nations and Inuit communities.
Support for Indigenous Communities:
- On-the-Water Capacity Building: $120 million to fund Indigenous-led initiatives that enhance their capacity to respond to marine incidents and protect their traditional territories.
- Co-Developed Solutions: $30 million to support Indigenous communities in developing and implementing solutions to marine safety and environmental challenges in their regions.
- Strengthening Partnerships: $50 million to foster partnerships between Indigenous communities, government agencies, and industry stakeholders to ensure culturally sensitive and inclusive marine safety programs.
“Our government is committed to protecting Canada’s coasts and waterways and supporting Indigenous communities,” said Minister Murray. “These investments will enhance our marine safety systems, strengthen Indigenous capacity, and create a cleaner, healthier future for generations to come.”
The OPP has already made significant progress in improving marine safety and protecting the marine environment. Since 2016, it has:
- Invested over $1.5 billion in marine safety initiatives
- Trained over 2,000 Indigenous community members in marine safety and response
- Developed partnerships with over 100 Indigenous communities
These latest investments build on the successes of the OPP and underscore the government’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding Canada’s marine ecosystem and supporting the well-being of Indigenous communities.
The Government of Canada makes significant investments in marine safety and supports Indigenous communities through the Oceans Protection Plan
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