- Canada's marine pilotage system has an excellent reputation, with marine pilots playing an important role in facilitating trade, protecting the marine environment, and in ensuring the safety of shipping in Canada.
- The implementation of recent Pilotage Act reforms remains an ongoing priority, one predicated on close collaboration with pilotage authorities, industry, industry associations, and government.
- These reforms will help modernize the oversight and delivery of pilotage in Canada without compromising safety or disrupting industry, supply chains, and the Canadian economy.
SUPPLEMENTARY MESSAGES
- In the wake of recent Pilotage Act reforms pilotage authorities now function as service delivery organizations, while Transport Canada has assumed all regulatory responsibilities, including those relating to licensing, training, and certification.
- While significant progress has been made to advance these reforms, there is work that remains to be done, including with respect to the issuance of waivers on the Pacific Coast, as well as implement compulsory pilotage along the North Shore of the St. Lawrence River.
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- Transport Canada continues to work collaboratively with the Pacific Pilotage Authority (PPA) to address recent TSB recommendations following the sinking of the tug Ingenika, particularly with respect to oversight of the pilotage waiver program.
BACKGROUND
- The Pilotage Act establishes the framework for the delivery of marine pilotage across Canada and allows for the creation of pilotage authorities to operate and maintain safe and efficient pilotage services in designated areas.
- Four Pilotage Authorities exist as crown corporations made pursuant to the Act: Atlantic (APA), Laurentian (LPA), Great Lakes (GLPA), and Pacific (PPA).
- A review of Pilotage Act was launched in 2017, and 38 specific recommendations were identified on how to modernize pilotage. In response, amendments to the Act began in 2018, coming into force incrementally via four Orders in Council (OiC).
- A final OiC was published June 9, 2021 that transferred the authority respecting the oversight of pilotage services from PAs to TC. All provisions of the amended Pilotage Act are now in effect, the result of which is a national pilotage system with increased national consistency, greater efficiency, and more accountability.
ATIP PROTECTED BACKGROUND
- Pilotage in Canada is governed by the Pilotage Act, which underwent significant reforms in 2018. Because of this, the administration of pilotage in Canada is now organized by function.
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