BELLA
BELLA, BC, July 4, 2024 /CNW/ - Indigenous
Nations and Canada share ties to
oceans and waterways that span generations.
Often the first to respond to marine emergencies on the Central
Coast, the knowledge and expertise of coastal First Nations are
critical to protecting the waters there. Canada's Oceans Protection Plan continues to
build on opportunities to collaborate with coastal First Nations to
protect, preserve, and restore our shared oceans and
waterways.
Today, the Government of Canada and Heiltsuk Nation signed a renewed
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), reaffirming their commitment of
working together to enhance the Nation's role in marine
environmental response within Heiltsuk territory.
Under the MOU, and in collaboration with Heiltsuk Nation, the
Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada will continue to expand
marine preparedness and response capacity on the West Coast. A
pilot Marine Emergency Response Team (MERT) will continue and be
expanded to support community-based oil spill response within
Heiltsuk territory and will test methods on how to improve
Canada's national oil spill
preparedness and response system. Heiltsuk Nation responders and
the Canadian Coast Guard will practice key skills for spill
response through exercises specific to the area, and they will also
conduct on-the-water exercises to simulate real-life incidents and
response.
Through the Oceans Protection Plan, we are strengthening
partnerships with Indigenous Nations and regional groups actively
involved in marine safety, keeping our oceans and coasts safe and
healthy for years to come. This unique partnership and enhanced
community capacity represent steps towards enhanced marine
preparedness and response in Heiltsuk Nation's territory.
Quotes
"Indigenous Peoples know their land and waters better than
anyone else. By working with coastal First Nations, we can learn
from and apply valuable local knowledge that improves the
protection of Canada's marine
environment. Increasing marine preparedness and response in
Heiltsuk Nation's territory by expanding the role of their Marine
Emergency Response Team strengthens Canada's ability to respond to environmental
incidents off the West Coast. When we work together and Indigenous
communities have the tools they need to protect waters and
coastlines, we are investing in a cleaner, safer future for
all."
The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries,
Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
"As stewards of our lands and waters, Heiltsuk Nation's vision
is to be able to protect our territory from oil spills. We welcome
continuing partnership and progress on this important work with
Canada, so that we can all carry
out our responsibilities to keep our coast safe."
K̓áwáziɫ Marilyn Slett,
Chief Councillor, Heiltsuk Nation
"Today's renewal is another milestone of Canada's Oceans Protection Plan. By harnessing
the local knowledge and expertise of coastal First Nations, we're
not only improving how we protect local waters, but also
strengthening meaningful partnerships rooted in mutual respect and
cooperation. Together, we will continue to protect our coasts and
waterways for generations to come."
The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez Minister, Transport
Canada
"With projected increases in oil tanker traffic, this project is
critical to filling gaps in marine pollution response capacity on
the central coast of British
Columbia. We look forward to implementing the Heiltsuk
Marine Emergency Response Team on a renewed and timely basis."
Wígvíɫba Wákas Harvey
Humchitt, Hereditary Chief, Heiltsuk Nation
"As the lead federal agency for marine environmental response in
Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard
is committed to responding quickly and effectively to marine
pollution incidents. By working with Heiltsuk Nation to
expand the role of the Marine Emergency Response Team, we're
building on the existing role coastal First Nations play in
marine safety and incident response. We look forward to our ongoing
collaboration with Heiltsuk Nation to continuously improve marine
safety on the West Coast."
Mario Pelletier, Commissioner,
Canadian Coast Guard
Quick Facts
- In January 2017, Heiltsuk and
Canada entered into the four-year
Haíłcistut: Framework Agreement for Reconciliation. The Framework
Agreement established a shared vision for reconciliation and
identified priorities most important to Heiltsuk, such as creating
a more collaborative, coordinated, and efficient approach to marine
response and oceans protection.
- The first iteration of the current MOU was signed in
March 2021 by Heiltsuk Nation, the
Canadian Coast Guard, and Transport Canada and expired in
March 2023. The current MOU will
expire in July 2029.
- The MOU builds upon work accomplished through Canada's Oceans Protection Plan to make marine
shipping safer and improve Canada's ability to prevent and respond to
marine incidents. Since 2016, the Government of Canada has dedicated $3.5 billion to the Oceans Protection Plan,
making it the largest investment Canada has ever made to protect its coasts and
waterways.
Associated Links
- Blue Economy Strategy
- Protecting our Coasts – Oceans Protection Plan
- Let's Talk – Oceans Protection Plan
- Stronger partnerships with Indigenous and coastal communities –
Oceans Protection Plan
- Oceans Protection Plan Report to Canadians
- Marine 101: How is the Oceans Protection Plan improving marine
safety?
Stay Connected
- Follow the Canadian Coast Guard on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
and YouTube.
- Follow Transport Canada on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
SOURCE Canadian Coast Guard