The transportation system is something Canadians rely on every day, from getting us to work, or bringing us the products we use in our homes.
The Government of Canada is working to ensure that goods are transported in a safe and responsible way while protecting our marine environment and clean water.
"The Government of Canada is committed to demonstrating a clean environment and a strong economy can go hand-in-hand. Tabling this legislation is another step towards fulfilling our promise to formalize the tanker moratorium on British Columbia's north coast. This, and other actions we are taking to improve marine safety through the Oceans Protection Plan, will protect the coasts and waterways that Canadians depend on for generations to come, " said Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport.
Today, the Government of Canada introduced
C-48, the proposed Oil Tanker Moratorium Act in Parliament. This Act will deliver on the Prime Minister's commitment to Canadians to formalize a crude oil tanker moratorium on British Columbia's north coast.
This legislation will prohibit oil tankers carrying crude and persistent oils as cargo from stopping, loading or unloading at ports or marine installations in northern British Columbia. It will provide a high level of protection for the coastline around Dixon Entrance, Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound.
The proposed moratorium area extends from the Canada/United States border
in the north, down to the point on British Columbia's mainland adjacent to the northern tip of Vancouver Island, and also includes Haida Gwaii. Vessels carrying less than 12,500 metric tonnes of crude or persistent oil as cargo will continue to be permitted in the moratorium area to ensure northern communities can receive critical shipments of heating oils and other products.
The legislation proposes strong penalty provisions for contravention that could reach up to $5 million. The legislation also proposes flexibility for amendments. Further refined petroleum products
can be removed from the list on the basis of science and environmental safety. Products may also be added on this basis.
The proposed Oil Tanker Moratorium Act is another action that the Government of Canada is taking as part of the $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan (OPP). The OPP is a national strategy to create a world-leading marine safety system that provides economic opportunities for Canadians today, while protecting our coastlines and ensuring clean water for our kids and grandkids.
The largest investment ever made in our oceans and waterways, the Ocean Protection Plan involves new measures to improve marine safety and responsible shipping; protect Canada's marine environment; and create new partnerships with Indigenous and coastal communities.