Mike Kelloway
Sydney—Glace Bay, Nova Scotia · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2) and consistent with the policy on the tabling of treaties in Parliament, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the treaty entitled “Amendments to Annex I of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973”, as modified by the Protocol of 1978, re…”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Cape Breton artists who took home honours at the 38th East Coast Music Awards last week in Sydney, Cape Breton. Goldie Boutilier, of Reserve Mines, had a historic week, winning album of the year, breakthrough artist of the year and rock/alternative release of the year.”
“Traditional broadcasters continue to contribute to Canadian content obligations while facing increasing competition from large foreign streaming services that dominate audience share and subscription revenues.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Milton East—Halton Hills South . I am pleased to rise today to speak against this motion and in support of broadcasting systems that continue to invest in Canadian workers, Canadian creativity and Canadian economic growth.”
“It frames contributions to Canadian programming as though they are simply a burden or a penalty, but these contributions are investments. They are investments in jobs, infrastructure, intellectual property, skills development and economic activity across this country.”
“Importantly, we have a long-established production ecosystem built through decades of public and private investment. I think today we have heard some really interesting dialogue in terms of the focus here. The focus is obviously on affordability when dealing with the Americans. We are focused on that.”
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“Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2) and consistent with the policy on the tabling of treaties in Parliament, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the treaty entitled “Amendments to Annex I of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973”, as modified by the Protocol of 1978, relating thereto and adopted by the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization on June 17, 2021.”
“The Celtic Colours International Festival won event of the year. The late Laura Mercer received the Stompin’ Tom Award. Cape Breton was not just the host for the ECMAs. We are its heart.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Cape Breton artists who took home honours at the 38th East Coast Music Awards last week in Sydney, Cape Breton. Goldie Boutilier, of Reserve Mines, had a historic week, winning album of the year, breakthrough artist of the year and rock/alternative release of the year. Morgan Toney, from We’koqma’q, won both the indigenous artist of the year and the fusion release of the year, and Elyse Aeryn of Glace Bay, my hometown, claimed release of the year. The Barra MacNeils received the Dr. Helen Creighton Lifetime Achievement Award. Emily Dingwall received the musician's achievement award. Nik MacDonald received artist management of the year. Joseph Parris received the Bucky Adams Memorial Award. Donnie MacNeil received the technical excellence award.”
“Mr. Speaker, another running theme in the House: conspiracy. The Conservative Party of Canada should now be the CPC, the Conspiracy Party of Canada. It loves a great conspiracy. It could not be that Nova Scotia is excelling in a new industry. It could not be that. It could not be the great workers. It could not be the Premier of Nova Scotia, a Conservative, who supports it. Everywhere we look, there is a conspiracy when it comes to the Conservative Party of Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, I think the Conservatives can explain why they are anti-Nova Scotia, against green hydrogen in Nova Scotia, against Mersey River Wind in Nova Scotia and against development in Nova Scotia. They are against Nova Scotia workers and Nova Scotia ingenuity. Every single time in the last two weeks the common theme has been anti-Nova Scotia. We, on this side of the House, support Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia workers, Nova Scotia business and this project.”
“Mr. Speaker, first and foremost, I would be remiss not to say, “Go, Habs, go.” I know we are down 3-1, but I think we are going to come back, and I hope we do. The reality is that sometimes we have to pivot, not just in politics but in the economic realm. What we are not going to pivot on is supporting an industry that is so important to Canada: the fine arts, the creative arts and the film industry. We are going to be there in lockstep.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will go back to what I said earlier. The fact of the matter is that if we just make this an argument about ideology, conspiracy theories and trickle-down economics, we are missing the point. The fact is that government does have a role to support: not to be the sage on the stage, but to be a guide on the side. That is what good governments do. They allow those production companies and those movies to know what we know here in Canada: that we have the best actors, production crews and companies in the world.”
“Mr. Speaker, I think the fundamental, foundational piece here is what I just mentioned about equity and fairness. Where we need to focus is how we reinvest in our own people, our own talent and our own ability. I want to see more movies and shows in Sudbury, where I have not been, but I hope to go. I want to see more of that. What we need to do is continuously focus on this: where the equity is not there, to make sure it is there. That is what a sound government does, and that is what a responsible government will do.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am not sure I would put all that power into this one Cape Bretoner, because all the production would happen on Cape Breton Island. I will say that the main focus of this government is not just on protecting this sector and those jobs and movies that take place in Quebec, Manitoba or Cape Breton, but enhancing them. Where we are focused is how we build equity and fairness into the system to ensure that these companies, the actors and all of those skilled people I talked about recently are given a leg up. That is what we are going to be focused on.”
“Importantly, we have a long-established production ecosystem built through decades of public and private investment. I think today we have heard some really interesting dialogue in terms of the focus here. The focus is obviously on affordability when dealing with the Americans. We are focused on that. I could go through the measures we have produced and the ones we are working on, but we also have to look at the creative arts as a major force of economic development. It is essential. I see it first-hand on Cape Breton Island. I have seen the impact it has had on the economy. I have seen the impact it has had on families and jobs. We need to look at this not as an ideological argument, but one of economic development, one where we are not just protecting the creative arts but focused on enhancing them. With that, I yield the floor.”
“(1210) Contributions to broadcasting systems are not new, and they are not unique to Canada. Many countries around the world require streaming services to contribute to domestic production ecosystems. Jurisdictions across Europe, for example, have adopted similar frameworks to ensure that local production sectors remain viable in the digital era. Despite these obligations, global streaming companies continue to invest heavily in these markets. Why? Companies invest where there is talent, stability, infrastructure and opportunity. Canada, our country, offers all of those things. We have world-class crews. We have globally respected creative talent. We have competitive production environments. We have advanced visual effects and post-production sectors. We have strong educational institutions producing those skilled workers.”
“Traditional broadcasters continue to contribute to Canadian content obligations while facing increasing competition from large foreign streaming services that dominate audience share and subscription revenues. The problem the legislation sought to address was straightforward: The regulatory system has not kept pace with technological change. Canadians are increasingly consuming programming online rather than through conventional broadcasting platforms, yet the contribution framework that historically applied primarily to Canadian broadcasters is still an item. This imbalance is not sustainable. If Canadian broadcasters are required to contribute to Canadian programming while foreign streaming platforms generating significant Canadian revenues are exempt, eventually the financial foundation supporting Canadian production begins to erode.”
“Little Lorraine , a movie that was filmed on Cape Breton Island, was a huge success at the box office, but in terms of economic development, it provided a boost to the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. In cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, the production industry has become a major economic engine, but places like Cape Breton Island have been home to many movies. Again, what it contributes, not just to the economy of the country, not just to the regional economy, but to the local economy, is quite substantial. This is why the framework established under the Online Streaming Act matters. The world has changed dramatically since the original Broadcasting Act was drafted.”
“These are not abstract jobs. They are good-paying, highly skilled jobs held by Canadians in every region of this country. They include camera operators, lighting technicians, sound engineers, visual effects artists, editors, costume designers, set builders, location managers, caterers, truck drivers, musicians, actors, writers, producers, translators and post-production specialists. The economic impact extends well beyond the production set itself. When productions film in a community, they rent hotel rooms, use local restaurants, contract transportation companies and use facilities throughout the community they are filming in. I can attest to this.”
“It frames contributions to Canadian programming as though they are simply a burden or a penalty, but these contributions are investments. They are investments in jobs, infrastructure, intellectual property, skills development and economic activity across this country. Not only that, but expenditures on Canadian programming are not a punishment. They are not being asked to shovel money into a bottomless pit. We are asking them to invest in some of the best programming in the world. We are asking them to continue to make some of the great shows that we talked about here today: Shoresy , Heated Rivalry and North of North . We want more of that. They cannot argue that the programming being made in Canada is unworthy of their services. The screen-based production sector supports hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs in Canada.”
“Those contributions helped build one of the most respected production sectors in the world. Today, Canada is internationally recognized as a major centre for film, television, animation and documentary production, in addition to digital and interactive media. Talented Canadians from coast to coast to coast work on productions viewed around the globe. Our studios are full, our crews are world-class, and our creators are winning international awards. This success did not happen by accident. It happened because successive governments and regulators understood that Canadian stories and Canadian production capacity matter economically, as well as culturally. The motion before the House, in my opinion, ignores that reality.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Milton East—Halton Hills South . I am pleased to rise today to speak against this motion and in support of broadcasting systems that continue to invest in Canadian workers, Canadian creativity and Canadian economic growth. Despite the rhetoric we have heard today, this debate is not truly about the so-called streaming tax. In fact, it is about whether the global streaming giants, which earn substantial revenues from Canadian audiences, should contribute in a fair and reasonable way to the Canadian broadcasting and production ecosystem from which they benefit. That principle is neither radical nor new. For decades, companies participating in Canada's broadcasting system have contributed financially to the creation and presentation of the Canadian programming on which they rely.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour Fred Courtney of Glace Bay, who passed away last Friday at the age of 90. Fred was a hockey legend in Cape Breton. As captain of the 1955-56 Junior Miners, he led his team to a Cape Breton and Maritime championship, earning league MVP. His talents drew interest from the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings, yet Fred chose to stay home and serve his community. Beyond hockey, Fred spent 22 years teaching, 22 more years coaching bantam hockey and over 60 years serving the Salvation Army as Corps Sergeant Major. The Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association proudly presents the Fred Courtney trophy each year in his honour. I ask the House to join me in celebrating Fred's life, and what a great life it was, and extending our deepest condolences to his family.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an incredible group of young Cape Bretoners. In February, the Get Up & Get Organized Youth Summit brought together nearly 50 youth and community members in Sydney to tackle real issues: food security, housing, climate change and active transportation. Co-developed and led by youth aged 15 to 24, the summit gave young people a space to be heard, to lead and to build hope for our communities. I had the privilege of meeting with the youth planning committee on April 1. Its message was clear: Young people care deeply about Cape Breton's future and want decision-makers to listen. I want to recognize the youth leaders, Isaac, Lily, Jordyn and Claire, along with Nova Scotia Health, the Ecology Action Centre and every partner organization that made this possible.”
“Mr Speaker, I am not sure when there is going to be time to do that, but I will say it is a very important issue. I was with fisheries as the parliamentary secretary. In terms of the Pacific Coast, we know that there are challenges there, but we are working and, as a member close to me says, we are laser‑focused on that. When it comes to Canada establishing sovereignty and working on space, this bill is the right way—”
“Mr. Speaker, Canso meets all the standards by which it is more productive and easier to bring product to space via a variety of means, in particular, satellites and whatnot. I appreciate the member bringing it up. Many folks in the municipal district of Guysborough and adjacent communities, municipalities, first nations and the private sector support this for all the advantages that Canso brings. Time and time again, we hear from the Conservatives that it is not possible, as well as more negatives.”
“Mr. Speaker, the member makes some solid points. I used Nova Scotia as an example, but I could have easily used Quebec as an example, in terms of the innovation and the collective intelligence when it comes to space, aviation and things of that nature. I think this regulatory framework touches all provinces, all opportunities, the skills and abilities, and the political and collective will of the Quebec people. I think that good things will be happening in Quebec as well as a result of this regulatory framework.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank the member and I do enjoy our time together on the transport committee. Let me look at this from a certain perspective. We are here today to talk about a legislative framework for processes that follow international standards and that keep security first and foremost in mind. Right now, we are putting that legislative framework to session, but we have a very talented transportation committee. I hope at some point we get a chance to study this project and offer solutions and opportunities, ones that I know that we will look to take seriously.”
“Nova Scotia is not asking for permission to build the future. We are already building it. A rocket has already launched. The infrastructure is being built. The partnerships are in place and the momentum is real. The only question is whether the House will match that ambition. The federal Conservatives can continue to say no to Nova Scotia, but our government and in fact the Progressive Conservative provincial government in Nova Scotia are saying yes to jobs, innovation, economic growth, Canadian sovereignty and a country that builds. Bill C-28 would make Canada a space-faring nation. It would strengthen our sovereignty. It would create real opportunity for Canadians and send a clear message to Canadians and to the world: Canada is not standing on the sidelines anymore. We are stepping forward, we are building and we are launching.”
“This is why international partners from Europe to Asia are already lining up for Nova Scotia. This is why this is not just a regional project, but a national asset rooted in my province of Nova Scotia, serving all of Canada. The project also represents partnership with the municipalities involved, in particular Guysborough County, indigenous communities engaged in this economic opportunity, workers, tradespeople, engineers and innovators across this country. This is what building a nation looks like. It is ambitious, forward-looking and grounded in real communities in Nova Scotia. Again, I ask what the alternative is. Is it to step back, to hesitate or to let other countries take the lead? This is what is at stake without Bill C-28 : Investments, jobs and opportunities go elsewhere, and Canada falls behind.”
“Jeremy Hansen is part of the Artemis program to return to the moon. We have the talent. We have the innovation. We have the credibility. When it comes to launching from our own country, we rely on others right now, on foreign infrastructure and on foreign timelines. Strong partners matter, but so does standing on our own two feet. A country like Canada should not have to ask for permission to launch its satellites. That gap, quite frankly, needs to be closed, and Nova Scotia is where we close it. Nova Scotia is uniquely positioned for this with its geography, its coastal location and its Atlantic launch trajectory. These are not theoretical advantages. These are real competitive advantages in the global space economy. This is why Maritime Launch Services chose Canso.”
“It is about whether young Canadians can build careers in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, robotics and innovation without having to leave Nova Scotia to do it. For far too long, the story in Atlantic Canada has been about out-migration, young people leaving for opportunities somewhere else. Bill C-28 is about changing that story. It is about building something new, something that has never existed in this country before. That requires vision, leadership and investment before the finish line, because that is how industries are built. We do not wait until an industry is complete to support it; we support it so it can exist. It is not a flaw in the policy, but that is the policy. (1245) Canada has a proud history in space. We built the Canadarm. We sent astronauts into orbit. We are part of lunar missions.”
“Nova Scotians to whom I talk are asking a very simple question: Why does the federal Conservative Party keep saying “no” to Nova Scotia? Here is the reality. This is not theoretical. It is not hypothetical. This is happening right now in Nova Scotia. On November 20, 2025, a rocket launched from Nova Scotia, from Canadian soil, for the first time in 27 years. A rocket has already launched, so let us be honest about what this debate is. This is not about whether the industry could exist; it already does. The question is whether Canada will lead it or lose it. This is about investment in Canadian industry, workers and communities that have been told too many times to wait their turn. It is about creating good-paying jobs during construction and in the long term, but it is much more than that. It is about people.”
“Nova Scotia is proud to be home to Canada's first commercial spaceport, and its government did not just say that; it backed that up with real investment, real policy and real leadership. It understands exactly what this project represents. It is jobs, growth, opportunity and a future. This is not an isolated case. Nova Scotians have seen this pattern before. Here are three examples. Offshore wind, developed in partnership with the same Progressive Conservative government, was opposed by the federal Conservatives. It was mentioned today. The Mersey River Wind project, a $206-million investment powering 50,000 homes, was opposed by the federal Conservatives. Now, a spaceport supported by a Progressive Conservative premier is questioned once again by the federal Conservatives.”
“I hope colleagues across the aisle will support the bill, but if they do not, they should be prepared to explain some things to Nova Scotians. Why is it that the federal Conservatives keep opposing the very projects that the Progressive Conservative governments in Nova Scotia are proudly championing? Let us be very clear about the facts. A Progressive Conservative premier supports the project. A Progressive Conservative finance minister supports the project. A Progressive Conservative minister of economics supports this project. They have said so publicly. They have invested in it, and they are building it. However, federal Conservatives stand in this House and question it. This just does not add up. Premier Tim Houston has been clear.”
“Right now, despite all of our talent, all of our innovation and all of our history, Canada is the only G7 country without domestic launch capability. This is not a position we should accept, and it is not a position Nova Scotia is willing to accept. I was proud to stand alongside the Minister of Justice and the CEO of the Maritime Launch Services when we announced the Canada-U.S. Technological Safeguards Agreement. That agreement cleared the path, and it made commercial space launch in Canada possible, but possibility is not enough. Bill C-28 would turn the possibility into reality. It would provide a legal and regulatory framework, and the certainty that allows companies to invest, to build and to launch from Canadian soil. Without it, the opportunity does not disappear, but it simply goes somewhere else.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today with pride and with purpose to speak in support of Bill C-28 , the Canadian space launch act. As a proud Nova Scotian, the member of Parliament for Sydney—Glace Bay and someone who has previously had the honour of representing Cape Breton—Canso, I know this project. I know the people behind it. I know the communities that have believed in it and I know exactly what is at stake, because this is not just a bill, but a decision. It is a decision about whether Canada will be a country that launches or a country that watches from the sidelines. Bill C-28 is about whether Canada becomes a sovereign, space-faring nation, one that launches from its own soil, builds its own capabilities and competes in one of the fastest-growing sectors on earth or whether we continue to rely on others.”
“Mr. Speaker, this week we celebrate National Volunteer Week, a time to honour those who make our communities stronger, kinder and more connected. Over the past year, I have had the privilege of recognizing outstanding volunteers and community leaders through monthly spotlights and community leadership awards, individuals like Jocelyn Hynes, Maranne Currie, Whitney Green, Steve and Gina Deveaux, Christina Lamey, Dennis Shea, Matt MacDonald, Angie MacDonald-Fraser, Heather Kerr and Faith Dillon, along with groups like the Cape Breton University hockey team and the volunteers of St. George's church. Their compassion and dedication remind us that meaningful change begins at the community level. I invite all members to join me in thanking the volunteers of Sydney—Glace Bay and volunteers across Canada for all they do.”
“Mr. Speaker, the minister and others have spoken about this, but I will say this, and I will use an Atlantic Canadian analogy, “This is a rather large fishing expedition.” In Atlantic Canada we would describe it as “There is no fishing bait, there is no fishing line and there is no fishing pole.””
“Mr. Speaker, make no mistake about it, when it comes to nation-building projects, the Conservatives practise fear and loathing while we practise hope and action. We do that by consultation with each and every stakeholder group in Ontario and Quebec. Why? It is the right thing to do. They are a part of the solution. In urban Canada, we think big. In rural Quebec and in rural Ontario, we are also thinking big.”
“Mr. Speaker, make no mistake about it, this is a transformational project initiative for Quebec and Ontario, putting thousands of people to work, using Canadian workers, Canadian companies and Canadian businesses. At the same time, in terms of this large-scale project, we take consultation very seriously. We have met with 10,000 stakeholders. We will do more because it is the right thing to do. We will work with all Canadians to make this project happen.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize five outstanding young athletes from my riding of Sydney—Glace Bay who represented Nova Scotia and Cape Breton great distinction. From March 12 to 15, five members of the Cape Breton Dorados swim team travelled to Maine to compete at the 2026 winter championships. Simryn, Bryson, Rori, Sophia and Lyla all achieved top-10 finishes in their respective events. The Cape Breton Dorados have been a pillar of our community for over 50 years, currently supporting approximately 70 swimmers between the ages of six and 18 and providing a full pathway from entry-level to high-performance competition. I ask all members to join me in congratulating the swimmers, the coaches and the volunteers who make the Dorados program possible. Cape Breton is very proud of them.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have good news. Canada has reached the NATO 2% defence spending target half a decade ahead of schedule and with the largest year-over-year increase for our defence budget in generations. This is a proud moment, and I want to congratulate the Prime Minister and the Minister of National Defence for their leadership in making it happen. This is more than a number. It is a signal to the world that Canada is serious about defending what we have built and protecting what we value. Cape Breton knows this very well, because Sydney has been selected as the preferred home for Canada's next generation of polar ice vessels. This is bringing jobs, strengthening our Arctic sovereignty and putting our community at the centre of the defence renewal.”
“I do not question the sincerity, but I do question the credibility, of being a part of the solution. What we are focused on is the solution.”
“Mr. Speaker, I think this is an immensely important discussion and debate we are having here tonight. When we look at the government and the measures that I spoke about in my opening speech, we see that these are measures that matter to Canadians. We are also focused on building the economy with major projects from coast to coast to coast that will put people to work and back to work and will enhance the skill sets they have. I will say this. I am entering my seventh year in the House, and particularly in the last couple of years, when we put forward ideas and solutions to help Canadians, oftentimes the opposition will bring up the problems. When it is time to vote on solutions, the opposition is not to be found. I think that lacks some credibility.”
“These programs are designed to help people, giving them a leg up, and boy, across this world, these are trying times, as I started off with in my speech. However, I will say that I believe in Canada. I believe, and I have seen it many times in this chamber, that when we come together, we have good debate, but at the end of the day we need to put slogans aside and focus on solutions.”
“This is an important time. It is an important time to invest in Canadians. I think of the national school food program, which impacts hundreds of thousands of children, in particular when I think of my riding of Sydney—Glace Bay. I have talked to teachers and families who have talked of the essential impact of that measure and how it creates healthier kids, provides dignity and, indeed, provides hope, not just for families but for the children it is designed to help. I will conclude by saying that these are tough times. We have a government here that is compassionate and also fiscally minded when it comes to ensuring that we have the firepower to help people, and that is what Canadians do, in my opinion. Just like Cape Bretoners do back home, we help those in need, we help our brothers and sisters, and we help people we do not know.”
“For the same reason, we will create a $150-million food security fund under the existing regional tariff response initiative for small and medium-sized businesses and the organizations that support them. We cannot control what other nations do, but we can control how we respond. As the member opposite may remember, on our very first day in office, we cancelled the divisive consumer carbon price, bringing gasoline prices down by approximately 18¢ per litre in most provinces and territories. Now we are delivering on a tax cut that will impact 22 million Canadians, one that will save a two-income family up to $840 this year. We are also eliminating the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes up to $1 million. There are other things we are doing in relation to building Canada strong and building homes where they are needed.”
“Also, we are increasing that amount by 25% for five years beginning in July. On top of that, we are providing a one-time payment this spring equivalent to a 50% increase in the 2025-26 value of the GST credit. Combined, this means that a family of four will receive up to $1,890 this year and about $1,400 a year for the next four years. A single person will receive up to $950 this year and about $700 a year for the next four years. I am proud to say that the new Canada groceries and essentials benefit will provide additional and significant support for more than 12 million Canadians. Also, this government is setting aside $500 million for the strategic response fund, to help business owners address the cost of supply chain disruptions without passing the cost on to Canadians at the checkout line.”
“Mr. Speaker, indeed we live in rapidly changing times, uncertain times. Around the globe, trade relationships that help to ensure good jobs and affordable products are being disrupted. Here at home, the rise in tariffs is posing significant challenges to Canadians, and particularly to those working in trade-exposed sectors such as manufacturing. The Canadian government is also aware that the cost of living is putting financial pressures on Canadian families and small businesses. The Prime Minister recently announced new measures to make groceries and other essentials more affordable. For example, in order to bring down costs for Canadians, Canada's new government is introducing the new Canada groceries and essentials benefit. It was formerly known as the goods and services tax credit.”
“I do appreciate what the member is saying, and I particularly appreciate the importance of including indigenous knowledge and first nation communities in all that we do in transport.”
“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate this important debate. I will say that Canada does have a strong marine safety system in place. The system works to prevent marine incidents from happening in the first place. When an accident does happen, the Canadian authorities are prepared to respond in an effective manner that mitigates impacts on mariners, marine ecosystems, coastal communities and, indeed, our supply chains. The Canadian Coast Guard, the agency tasked with an incident response, is absolutely spot on in terms of working with first nations and indigenous communities to mitigate the impact of spills when an accident occurs. Our marine safety regimen ensures that responsible parties can be identified through the life cycle of a vessel and can be held to account for pollution incidents.”
“Our government is taking further steps to strengthen marine environmental protection by requiring more rapid access to marine emergency services, such as firefighting resources and emergency salvage capacity, as the recent incident in Bella Bella required, and improving preparedness and response for incidents involving hazardous and noxious substances. These actions and our regimen recognize that a strong safety system is crucial for protecting our marine ecosystem and our coastal communities. It is the foundation for a growing trade and economy in a sustainable fashion.”
“The Canada Shipping Act of 2001 has been amended to strengthen marine emergency responses by enhancing Transport Canada's authorities to ensure early action by the responsible party to prevent and contain marine emergencies, expand the preparedness, respond to a regimen including spills of hazardous and noxious substances, and strengthen the compliance and enforcement regime. Transport Canada has also updated the regulations to strengthen preparedness in the event of oil spills from a vessel.”
“It is enshrined in the Canada Shipping Act, which contains substantial penalties for polluters, and other relevant legislation that places the financial responsibility for cleanup and restoration on those responsible for incidents and accidents. The Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act is another example of empowering authorities to address vessels that pose a risk to navigation or the environment and to make owners responsible for the cost of removal and remediation. The framework helps to ensure that owners remain responsible for their vessels throughout the lifetime and reinforces the principle that the polluter pays. Concrete steps have been taken to strengthen marine safety and environmental protection in collaboration with indigenous people and stakeholders.”