Government of Canada supports a new maritime information system pilot project in partnership with the Tuktoyaktuk Hunters and Trappers Committee

TUKTOYAKTUK, NT, May 2, 2019 /CNW/ - Protecting the marine environment and all users of Canada's oceans and waterways is of paramount importance. Through the Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada is working in partnership with Indigenous peoples and in close collaboration with local stakeholders and coastal communities to protect Canada's unique marine environment from coast-to-coast-to-coast.

Today, Michael McLeod Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories on behalf of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, announced $506,683 for the Tuktoyaktuk Hunters and Trappers Committee to participate in a pilot project to develop, test, and evaluate a new maritime awareness information system. This national system is a key component of the Oceans Protection Plan's Enhanced Maritime Situational Awareness Initiative.

Once the web-based pilot system launches this spring, it will display a range of valuable near real-time maritime information, including data on vessel traffic, weather, and marine protected areas. As one of 10 Indigenous organizations across Canada participating in the pilot project, the Tuktoyaktuk Hunters and Trappers Committee, in partnership with the Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation, will test the system, provide feedback, and apply their local and traditional knowledge to improve and develop the system.

Through the funding announced today, the Tuktoyaktuk Hunters and Trappers Committee will install Automatic Identification System (AIS) equipment on community vessels to gather data for the project, while incorporating local and traditional information into the system to support enhanced marine safety and local decision-making.

The $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan is the largest investment ever made to protect Canada's coasts and waterways. This national strategy is creating a world-leading marine safety system that provides economic opportunities for Canadians today, while protecting our coastlines and clean water for generations to come. This work is being done in close collaboration with Indigenous peoples, local stakeholders and coastal communities.

Quotes

"Under the Enhanced Maritime Situational Awareness Initiative and Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada is taking an innovative approach to improve our maritime awareness. We have the largest coastline in the world, and our partners in coastal communities are instrumental in ensuring that we continue to protect, preserve and restore Canada's oceans and sea routes. As a result of this innovation and collaboration, our marine safety system is stronger now than ever."

The Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport

"Our Arctic coastline and communities in the Inuvialuit Settlement Area are unique, and the Enhanced Maritime Situational Awareness Initiative will provide local communities with relevant and timely data to make on-the-ground decisions, catered to their specific needs. We are grateful for the dedication of our partners, including the Tuktoyaktuk Hunters and Trappers Committee, to help build a complete operating picture and improve maritime awareness through this initiative."

Michael V. McLeod 
Member of Parliament, Northwest Territories

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada has announced over 50 initiatives under the Oceans Protection Plan since its launch in November, 2016.
• The five-year, $62.5 million Enhanced Maritime Situational Awareness Initiative was announced in November 2017.
• The web-based system will help coastal communities access relevant data so they can make local decisions to plan vessel routes, identify sensitive areas, increase safety on the water, and help protect the environment.

Associated Links

• Protecting our Coasts - Oceans Protection Plan
• Let's Talk – Oceans Protection Plan
• Community Participation Funding Program
• Government of Canada Introduces new measures and enters into new partnerships for safer maritime navigation and emergency response through the Oceans Protection Plan (May 2018)
• Government of Canada and 10 Indigenous coastal communities select developer for maritime awareness information system

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SOURCE Transport Canada

Delphine Denis, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, Ottawa, 613-991-0700, [email protected]; Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055, [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.tc.gc.ca/