At the H2O conference in Halifax, Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, today announced the publication of the Blue Economy Regulatory Roadmap.
This roadmap outlines actions the Government of Canada will take to support innovation and economic growth in Canada’s oceans. It focuses on five main areas: marine renewable energy and environmental protection, marine spatial planning, maritime autonomous surface ships, ocean technology, and sustainable fishing gear and practices.
“The Roadmap responds to what we heard from Canadians during months of public consultation and offers paths to support communities and businesses that rely on the ocean economy to make long-term investments in solutions that enable innovation and advance sustainability,” stated a press release.
The development of the roadmap was led by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) in partnership with Natural Resources Canada, Transport Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, and the National Research Council of Canada, as part of the Targeted Regulatory Reviews initiative coordinated by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.
Commented Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard: “Our oceans hold immense potential to combat climate change and drive sustainable economic growth. This Roadmap marks a significant stride towards eliminating barriers for businesses that rely on the ocean to grow in a sustainable way, which will deliver widespread benefits for all Canadians.”
Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport, declared: “Canada’s marine sector is critical to our economy and our supply chains. By developing new technologies, we’re supporting and enhancing innovation across the blue economy. The Blue Economy Strategy complements and aligns with our ongoing work under the Oceans Protections Plan, which continues to make marine shipping safer, improve protections for marine ecosystems and species, and strengthen how we prevent and respond to marine incidents.”
(Fisheries and Oceans Canada photo)
