Ottawa, Ontario - The Government of Canada is working in partnership with Indigenous communities across the country to improve safety on the water through the Oceans Protection Plan. Indigenous communities are often the first to respond to marine incidents in remote areas and are an instrumental partner in our search and rescue system.
Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, announced $3.6M in funding for nine communities through the renewed Indigenous Community Boat Volunteer Program under the second phase of the Oceans Protection Plan: Coral Harbour Niviuqtiit in Nunavut; Namgis First Nation, Nuxalk Nation and Wuikinuxv First Nation in British Columbia; Beausoleil First Nation in Ontario; Crees of Waskaganish First Nation in Quebec; Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik in New Brunswick; Nunatukavut Community Council in Newfoundland and Labrador; and We'koqma'q (Waycobah) First Nation in Nova Scotia.
This funding will be used to support Indigenous communities in purchasing a boat and equipment to participate in the marine safety response system as members of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary.
To date, 49 Indigenous communities or organizations in ten provinces and territories have received over $15.6 million in funding to buy or retrofit boats and related safety equipment. The program will continue to help communities build, enhance, or sustain their capacity to respond to marine search and rescue incidents.
The Oceans Protection Plan is a Canadian success story. When Indigenous Peoples, industry, communities, scientists, and government work together to protect our people and environment, grow our economy, and support good jobs across the country, we deliver real results. A renewed and expanded Oceans Protection Plan will keep our oceans and coasts safe and healthy, advance reconciliation, and build a clean future for our children and grandchildren.
