Chamber of Shipping Calls on Federal Government to Support Trade on World Maritime Day 2016

VANCOUVER, Sept. 29, 2016 /CNW/ - The United Nation's International Maritime Organization celebrates World Maritime Day today with a theme to remind us that "Shipping is Indispensable to the World."

Canada is a nation that is largely dependent on ships to move goods to and from coastal communities and international markets.  An estimated 80 per cent of global trade by volume and 70 per cent by value are carried by sea and handled by ports worldwide.

Recognizing concerns voiced on the cumulative impact of shipping, we encourage the federal government to foster the collaboration on marine spatial planning that currently includes communities, Indigenous People and stakeholders, including the Chamber of Shipping. An integrated coastal strategy that is developed through meaningful dialogue and actions will protect our vital ecosystems and provide Canadians with greater certainty on the sustainability of their communities.

"Canada has an opportunity to get it right and develop a global model for sustainable marine transportation that supports trade in its strategy for coastal waters," states Robert Lewis-Manning, the President of the Chamber of Shipping.

The Chamber of Shipping is asking the federal government to:

• Formally recognize low-impact marine trade corridors;
• Review the cost of compliance and the competitiveness of Canadian gateways with respect to all fees paid by marine users;
• Enhance the marine safety framework with a more robust Canadian Coast Guard and shared maritime domain awareness;
• Establish policies and regulations based on facts and scientific research; and,
• Continue its leadership role at the International Maritime Organization with a commitment to predictable international conventions.

SOURCE Chamber of Shipping

Image with caption: "Chamber of Shipping (CNW Group/Chamber of Shipping)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160929_C8214_PHOTO_EN_784616.jpg

please contact: Robert Lewis-Manning, President, 604.681.2351; Bonnie Gee, Vice President, 604.681.2351