The Vancouver-based Chamber of Shipping has welcomed the Government of Canada’s continued commitment to protecting Canada’s coasts by expanding and extending the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP) for an additional nine years with a further investment of $2 billion.

The Chamber of Shipping is pleased with the federal government’s acknowledgment of the relationship between the supply chain and ocean protection.  Protecting Canada’s oceans and coasts requires effective and efficient ports, and safe, sustainable and competitive marine transportation corridors.

“We are pleased that the Prime Minister acknowledged that Canada’s oceans and coasts form an integral component of national and global supply chains,” stated the Chamber’s President Robert Lewis-Manning.

“The expanded mandate of the Oceans Protection Plan to address supply chain challenges must be backed by good governance and evidence, as Canada’s marine and connected terrestrial supply chains have shown their vulnerability to climate change, disruption, and trade surges. This incorporation ensures that solutions to supply chain issues are sustainable and that environmental, social, and economic interests are balanced.”

“Moving forward, we encourage the Government of Canada to facilitate collaboration and coordination between all levels of government, including Indigenous governments, the shipping industry and other users of waterways and ports. Integration is paramount given the complexity of ocean ecosystems, the marine operating environment and supply chain resilience.” 

Canadian agricultural products and natural resources are in high demand globally as many countries grapple with the impacts of the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and the impacts of climate change. Canada’s marine supply chain needs to have sufficient capacity and resiliency to address trade demands, food security, and any disruption to the supply chain, while minimizing impacts. Chamber’s President Robert Lewis-Manning photo: Chamber of Shipping