OTTAWA, Dec. 12, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada takes marine safety and security, and the well-being of all Canadians very seriously. That is why we are taking action to better financially protect marine passengers, their families, and businesses in the event of a marine accident.
Today, the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, announced new regulations that require Canadian passenger vessel operators to carry a minimum of $250,000 in liability insurance for every passenger on board. This will ensure that all passengers and their families receive fair compensation in the event of injury or fatality in a marine accident, while protecting vessel operators against catastrophic losses and possible civil actions from passengers.
Most vessel operators already carry this level of insurance; however, the new regulations make liability insurance mandatory under the Marine Liability Act for passenger vessels. These new regulations align marine transportation with all other modes of transportation where mandatory insurance for passengers is the norm.
The new regulations will come into force on January 11, 2019.
Quotes
"While transportation in Canada is among the safest and most secure in the world, Canadians need to know they will be supported in the event of a marine accident. With these new regulations, our government is ensuring peace of mind for passengers and their families."
The Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport
Quick Facts
- After extensive consultations with boat operators, the proposed Regulations Respecting Compulsory Insurance for Ships Carrying Passengers were pre-published in Canada Gazette, Part I, on December 24, 2016.
- Once the regulations are in place, vessel operators who do not have liability insurance could have their vessel detained and face fines of up to $100,000.
Associated Links
Regulations Respecting Compulsory Insurance for Ships Carrying Passengers
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to e-news or stay connected through RSS, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr to keep up to date on the latest from Transport Canada.
This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons living with visual disabilities.
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]
Share this article