Location: British Columbia and National
Issue/Source: Ship Recycling in Canada, and Union Bay, B.C.
Date: July 2025
SUGGESTED RESPONSES
- The marine transportation industry is vital to the Canadian economy. Ensuring the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships at the end of their life is a shared responsibility.
- Transport Canada is aware of the need for more ship recycling services in Canada in the coming years, as well as access to responsible ship recycling abroad.
- There are no federal laws or regulations that require a specific permit or authorization to engage in ship recycling activities in Canada.
- Ship recycling operations are overseen by various departments and levels of government.
- Transport Canada is currently considering relevant international treaties and approaches being taken in other countries to determine if there are opportunities to improve Canada’s ship recycling framework.
IF PRESSED
- The Government of Canada is aware of the operation at Union Bay and is taking this issue seriously.
- Transport Canada is responsible for the Canadian Navigable Waters Act, which applies to vessels or activities that are impeding navigable waterways, which is not the case here.
- Other government departments have responsibility with respect to potential water quality issues and fish habitat.
- Provinces and territories are responsible for the protection of workers at industrial sites and the management of hazardous waste produced when a ship is recycled.
- So far, Canada has not taken a decision to join the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009, recognizing that doing so would also implicate provinces and territories.
- Canada remains engaged in discussions with other countries on the global regulatory framework for ship recycling, and any implications for ship recycling here in Canada.