Theme II - Maintaining Water Quality and Availability

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
Implement programs to prevent pollution and respond to environmental incidences, including spills. (TC)

2.2 Clean Water from Transportation

Canada's Marine Pollution Prevention and Oil Spill Preparedness and Response Regime
Transport Canada regulates under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 the carriage of oil and dangerous chemical cargoes onboard vessels as well as the fuel and wastes vessels generate onboard. Requirements vessels must comply with include having proper crew training, certified equipment and vessel construction, adherence to proper loading and unloading procedures, adherence to routeing restrictions, and the use of certified pollution control equipment. This regime aims to prevent pollution and incidents.

Transport Canada regulates and monitors response organizations as part of Canada's Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response regime under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. This includes consultations with industry on the proposed Environmental Response Regulations and Standards and a region–specific Assessment of Proposals Related to Oil Spill Risk for the south coast of Newfoundland. Transport Canada also regulates the insurance and liability requirements for shipowners under the Marine Liability Act.

National Aerial Surveillance Program
Transport Canada carries out inspections of Canadian and foreign vessels in ports to verify they comply with Canadian and international requirements. As well, to deter illegal discharges at sea, Transport Canada operates the National Aerial Surveillance Program, which owns and operates three aircraft that cover all coasts of Canada and are equipped with state of the art sensors to detect oil on the ocean surface. Furthermore, a 4^th aircraft is contracted over Newfoundland Waters from private industry to supplement patrols conducted with the Transport Canada aircraft. If detected oil is linked to a ship, an evidence package is prepared for investigation and enforcement action. If the ship is not destined for a Canadian port, under international agreements, Canada can advise other countries of an incident in Canadian jurisdiction and request investigations which can lead to enforcement action.

Hazardous and Noxious Substances
Transport Canada is developing a national regime to deal with liability and compensation and to prepare for and respond to maritime hazardous and noxious substance incidents. Currently, regulations under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, are in place that set requirements to prevent spills or other releases of hazardous and noxious substances. These requirements set out how such substances may be carried, how they are to be loaded and unloaded, and for ships to have emergency plans.

Spill Research
Transport Canada supports and works with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment Canada, and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada as these departments carry out science to study new ways to respond to spills, in particular for Canada's northern waters. Results of this research inform both the industry and regulatory policy making.

This work sets a regulatory regime to prevent pollution and incidents and ensures there are preparations and capacity in place to respond to an incident. Technology plays a key role in both preventing pollution and responding to incidents. By administering regulations and carrying out research and development Transport Canada aims to attain highest possible levels of protection for the environment. As such, this work supports Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Target 3.9 – Marine Water Quality.

Regulations in place to prevent pollution

Regulations under development or in place

Regulations in place for response to incidents and spills

Regulations under development or in place

Compliance with regulations

100%

Number of releases by vessels of substances that could have a negative impact on the marine environment

5% reduction by 2017

TC and partners' research advancing new technologies to facilitate regulatory development

New technologies being researched and adopted by industry

Regulations in place to prevent pollution

Regulations under development or in place

Regulations in place for response to incidents and spills

Regulations under development or in place

Compliance with regulations

100%

Number of releases by vessels of substances that could have a negative impact on the marine environment

5% reduction by 2017

TC and partners' research advancing new technologies to facilitate regulatory development

New technologies being researched and adopted by industry

Regulations in place to prevent pollution

Regulations under development or in place

Regulations in place for response to incidents and spills

Regulations under development or in place

Compliance with regulations

100%

Number of releases by vessels of substances that could have a negative impact on the marine environment

5% reduction by 2017

TC and partners' research advancing new technologies to facilitate regulatory development

New technologies being researched and adopted by industry

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
Provide advice on garbage, ballast water, sewage and other marine pollution to support Canadian positions in international commitments. (TC, EC)

2.2 Clean Water from Transportation

As Canada depends on foreign ships to carry its trade, Canada also relies on strong international standards to protect its environment. Canada is a key member of the International Maritime Organization, the United Nations specialized agency governing marine shipping, and plays a leading role in its committees and working groups.

In 1973, the International Maritime Organization adopted the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, now known universally as MARPOL, which has been amended by the Protocols of 1978 and 1997 and kept updated with relevant amendments. The MARPOL Convention addresses pollution from ships by oil; by noxious liquid substances carried in bulk; harmful substances carried by sea in packaged form; sewage, garbage; and the prevention of air pollution from ships. MARPOL has greatly contributed to a significant decrease in pollution from international shipping and applies to 99% of the world's merchant tonnage. Other treaties address anti–fouling systems used on ships, the transfer of alien species by ships' ballast water and the environmentally sound recycling of ships.

Canada makes specific proposals to the International Maritime Organization to ensure international standards are protective of the environment. Transport Canada leads Canada's participation at the International Maritime Organization and often relies on timely science and technical advice from other departments to develop Canadian positions. Transport Canada in turn provides advice on shipping to other departments who lead other fora, such as Environment Canada and the United Nations Environment Programme.

For more information see http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/rsqa-imo-menu-1877.htm.

This implementation strategy is linked to 3.8.5, 3.8.7 and 6.4.8.

This strategy aims to ensure that international standards on marine shipping protect the environment, and supports Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Target 3.9 – Marine Water Quality.

Formal papers or positions supported, developed or tabled

As required

Engagement in committees, working groups or sub groups

As required

Formal papers or positions supported, developed or tabled

As required

Engagement in committees, working groups or sub groups

As required

Formal papers or positions supported, developed or tabled

As required

Engagement in committees, working groups or sub groups

As required

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
Collect required data to support International Maritime Organization, the United Nations Environmental Programme and other domestic and international organizations. (TC, EC)

2.2 Clean Water from Transportation

Canada is a key member of the International Maritime Organization, the United Nations specialized agency governing marine shipping, and plays a leading role in its committees and working groups. Transport Canada submits annual reports to the International Maritime Organization on Canada's compliance with international standards and on observed compliance by other countries vessels operating in Canada's jurisdiction.

For more information see http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/rsqa-imo-menu-1877.htm.

The work supports the protection of the marine environment by providing international policy makers current information on environmental issues to guide negotiations, supporting Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Target 3.9 – Marine Water Quality.

Canada submits reports to the International Maritime Organization

Report submitted on time

Canada submits reports to the International Maritime Organization

Report submitted on time

Canada submits reports to the International Maritime Organization

Report submitted on time

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
Ensure compliance with the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, and its regulations that set controls for ships to manage ballast water and marine pollution as well as the controls on ships' discharges set out under the Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act (TC)

2.2 Clean Water from Transportation

Transport Canada carries out inspections of Canadian and foreign vessels in ports to verify they comply with Canadian and international requirements for ballast water management and to prevent pollution. Details are found at http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/oep-inspection-menu-770.htm.

Transport Canada also implements the provisions of the Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act for both ship construction in icy waters and the zero discharge regime for the Arctic. These inspections are complemented for ballast water by a Canada–US joint inspection program in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, and for pollution prevention by the National Aerial Surveillance Program and international cooperation with other countries on enforcement.

This implementation strategy is linked to 3.8.3 and 6.4.8.

This work protects the marine environment by ensuring laws and regulations are followed. It supports Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Target 3.9 – Marine Water Quality.

Percentage of industry compliance with regulatory framework

95% by 2017

Percentage of vessels in compliance with the Ballast Water Control and Management Regulations reporting rules

95% by 2017

Percentage of industry compliance with regulatory framework

95% by 2017

Percentage of vessels in compliance with the Ballast Water Control and Management Regulations reporting rules

95% by 2017

Percentage of industry compliance with regulatory framework

95% by 2017

Percentage of vessels in compliance with the Ballast Water Control and Management Regulations reporting rules

95% by 2017

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
Implement a national regime for preparedness and response to maritime hazardous and noxious substances incidences. (TC)

2.2 Clean Water from Transportation

While an oil response regime is in place, Transport Canada is developing a national regime to deal with liability and compensation and to prepare for and respond to maritime hazardous and noxious substance incidents. Currently, regulations under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, are in place that set requirements to prevent spills or other releases of hazardous and noxious substances. These requirements set out how such substances may be carried, how they are to be loaded and unloaded, and for ships to have emergency plans.

With respect to a response regime for hazardous and noxious substances incidents, Transport Canada is planning public consultations to develop a regime that sets out rules for how response to maritime incidents should be managed. Regulations and plans for capacity building are under development and will be guided by the public consultations.

With regards to a liability and compensation regime that would provide a framework for effective compensation in the event of an incident of hazardous and noxious substances, the International Maritime Organization has also developed an international convention on shipowner's liability and which creates an international compensation fund. Transport Canada has released a discussion paper to consult stakeholders on a proposal for Canada to ratify this convention.

These measures will protect the marine environment by ensuring a capacity is in place to respond to a maritime incident involving hazardous and noxious substances. It will also ensure that appropriate liability and compensation is available to pay for a response to such an incident and for the damages it would cause. This work supports Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Target 3.9 – Marine Water Quality.

Initial consultations with stakeholders

Completed

Development of capacity needs and legislation/regulations

Capacity needs identified legislation/regulations under development

Development of capacity needs and legislation/regulations

Capacity needs addressed, legislation/regulations implemented

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
Monitor and regulate discharges from marine vessels into the marine environment through inspections and the detection of oil discharges using the National Aerial Surveillance Program, which may result in investigations and enforcement actions. (TC)

2.2 Clean Water from Transportation

Transport Canada carries out inspections of Canadian and foreign vessels in ports to verify they comply with Canadian and international requirements. As well, to deter illegal discharges at sea, Transport Canada operates the National Aerial Surveillance Program, which owns and operates three aircraft that cover all coasts of Canada and are equipped with state of the art sensors to detect oil on the ocean surface. Furthermore, a 4^th aircraft is contracted over Newfoundland Waters from private industry to supplement patrols conducted with the Transport Canada aircraft. If detected oil is linked to a ship, an evidence package is prepared for investigation and enforcement action. If the ship is not destined for a Canadian port, under international agreements, Canada can advise other countries of an incident in Canadian jurisdiction and request investigations which can lead to enforcement action.

This implementation strategy is linked with 3.8.3.

This work protects the marine environment from the adverse effects of shipping by ensuring laws and regulations are followed and enforced. It supports Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Target 3.9 – Marine Water Quality.

Commercial vessel over–flights per flight patrol hour by National Aerial Surveillance Program aircraft

4.4

Ship source pollution spills identified per total pollution spills detected by National Aerial Surveillance Program aircraft

11%

Commercial vessel over–flights per flight patrol hour by National Aerial Surveillance Program aircraft

4.5

Ship source pollution spills identified per total pollution spills detected by National Aerial Surveillance Program aircraft

12%

Commercial vessel over–flights per flight patrol hour by National Aerial Surveillance Program aircraft

4.6

Ship source pollution spills identified per total pollution spills detected by National Aerial Surveillance Program aircraft

13%

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
Monitor and regulate Canada's Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response regime to ensure private industry maintains the required capacity to respond to oil spills caused by marine transportation. (TC)

2.2 Clean Water from Transportation

Transport Canada regulates and monitors response organizations as part of Canada's Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response regime under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. This includes consultations with industry on the proposed Environmental Response Regulations and Standards and a region–specific Assessment of Proposals Related to Oil Spill Risk for the south coast of Newfoundland. Transport Canada also regulates the insurance and liability requirements for shipowners under the Marine Liability Act.

Canada's Marine Oil Spill Preparedness and Response Regime is built on the polluter–pay principle, which makes the polluter liable for all response costs associated with an oil pollution incident. Protection and indemnity associations of shipowners and operators offer insurance coverage to shipowners and charterers against third–party liabilities encountered in their commercial operations. In addition to this, there are currently two funds to assist in paying for clean–up costs:

• Ship–Source Oil Pollution Fund
• International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund

The regulations and monitoring of the response system ensures Canada's marine environment is protected from spills. It supports Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Target 3.9 – Marine Water Quality.

Response organizations meet requirements for their area of operations

100%

Response organizations meet requirements for their area of operations

100%

Response organizations meet requirements for their area of operations

100%

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
Advance positions that can influence global rules and practices on dumping waste at sea and other marine pollution matters. (EC, TC)

2.2 Clean Water from Transportation

Controls on dumping at sea fall under the mandate of Environment Canada, under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.

For other marine pollution matters, as Canada depends on foreign ships to carry its trade, Canada also relies on strong international standards to protect its environment. Canada is a key member of the International Maritime Organization, the United Nations specialized agency governing marine shipping, and plays a leading role in its committees and working groups. Canada makes specific proposals to the International Maritime Organization to ensure international standards are protective of the environment.

For more information see http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/rsqa-imo-menu-1877.htm.

Ensuring international standards on marine shipping protect the environment contributes to Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Target 3.9 – Marine Water Quality.

Engagement in committees, working groups or sub groups

As required

Engagement in committees, working groups or sub groups

As required

Engagement in committees, working groups or sub groups

As required

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
Manage research and development, develop partnerships, support and/or conduct technology development (emerging and forward–looking) to improve pollution prevention technologies and manage risks for marine transportation. (TC)

1.4 Transportation Innovation

Transport Canada supports sustainable transportation through the efforts of the Transportation Development Centre's research and development projects focusing on pollution prevention. This includes consulting with industry and developing strategic partnerships to ensure the feasibility of these innovative technologies.

This implementation strategy is linked to 1.1.5, 1.1.38 and 2.1.2.

The research undertaken during the period will contribute to prevent marine pollution, supporting Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Target 3.9 – Marine Water Quality.

Enhanced focus of the R&D efforts allocated to sustainable transportation activities

TBD

Enhanced focus of the R&D efforts allocated to sustainable transportation activities

TBD

Enhanced focus of the R&D efforts allocated to sustainable transportation activities

TBD

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
Advance Canadian positions on reducing and managing global marine pollution from ships. (TC)

2.2 Clean Water from Transportation

As Canada depends on foreign ships to carry its trade, Canada also relies on strong international standards to protect its environment. Canada is a key member of the International Maritime Organization, the United Nations specialized agency governing marine shipping, and plays a leading role in its committees and working groups. Canada also makes specific proposals to the International Maritime Organization to ensure international standards are protective of the environment.

For more information see http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/rsqa-imo-menu-1877.htm.

This strategy seeks to protect the marine environment by ensuring the international standards on marine shipping are protective of the environment and contributes to Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Target 3.9 – Marine Water Quality.

Formal papers or positions supported, developed or tabled

As required

Engagement in committees, working groups or sub groups

As required

Formal papers or positions supported, developed or tabled

As required

Engagement in committees, working groups or sub groups

As required

Formal papers or positions supported, developed or tabled

As required

Engagement in committees, working groups or sub groups

As required

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY 1.1.14
Work within the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to support the development of international energy efficiency / GHG standards for marine vessels. (TC)

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY 1.1.45
Support the development of international standards and recommended practices with the International Maritime Organization concerning greenhouse gas emissions from marine sources. (TC)

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY 1.1.52
Work within the International Maritime Organization toward the development of international standards and recommended practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from marine shipping, while maintaining a high level of safety. (TC)

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY 2.1.30.2
Support the development of international standards and recommended practices within the International Maritime Organization concerning air pollutant emissions from marine sources. (TC)

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY 2.1.33
Participate in the Marine Environmental Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization (TC).

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY 3.8.12
Support the adoption by Canada of Marine Environmental Protection Committee (International Maritime Organization) requirements where applicable. (TC)

Implementation strategies 1.1.14, 1.1.45, 1.1.52, 2.1.20.2 and 2.1.33 are linked 2.1.1 Clean Air Regulatory Framework and Oversight

Implementation strategy 3.8.12 is linked to 2.2 Clean Water from Transportation

Canada is a key member of the International Maritime Organization, the United Nations specialized agency governing marine shipping, and plays a leading role in its committees and working groups. As foreign ships carry most of Canada's trade, and comprise most of Canada's shipping activity, setting clear and predictable rules based on international standards ensures compliance by foreign vessels.

Transport Canada continues to be actively engaged with work at the International Maritime Organization in the development of standards and recommended best practices to reduce greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions caused by ships. Once the International Maritime Organization has approved new, or amended existing, international emission standards, member nations are required to adopt these standards domestically through regulation or other action.

Marine Environmental Protection Committee
The Marine Environment Protection Committee administers key international conventions to prevent pollution from ships, including air and greenhouse gas emissions. Three sub–committees, Bulk Liquids and Gases, Design and Equipment, and Facilitation, play a key supporting role. Canada makes specific proposals to Marine Environment Protection Committee and related sub–committees to ensure international standards are protective of the environment. More information is available at www.imo.org.

Energy Efficiency Design Index and Shipboard Energy Efficiency Management Plan
Transport Canada contributed to the International Maritime Organization's development of an Energy Efficiency Design Index for new ships and the mandatory requirements for a Shipboard Energy Efficiency Management Plan for all ships. These two technical measures have been disseminated for voluntary use. Transport Canada will continue to participate in discussions to consider the means by which they could be introduced in the Organization's regulatory regime. Transport Canada is actively contributing to work in these areas at the International Maritime Organization and will implement relevant domestic regulations as appropriate.

Adoption of international standards into domestic regulatory framework
Transport Canada is adopting applicable international standards developed by the International Maritime Organization's Marine Environment Protection Committee into its regulatory framework under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.

For more information on Transport Canada's involvement in the International Maritime Organization, please visit http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/rsqa-imo-menu-1877.htm.

This implementation strategy is linked to 1.1.17.

These implementation strategies seek to protect the marine environment by ensuring the international environmental standards on marine shipping are protective of the environment. Furthermore, implementation of the Energy Efficiency Design Index and the Shipboard Energy Efficiency Management Plan will lead to reductions in both greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions. This work therefore supports Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Target 1.1 – Climate Change Mitigation, and Target 2.1 – Air Pollutants.

Implementation strategy 3.8.12 seeks to protect the marine environment by ensuring the international standards on marine shipping are protective of the environment, supporting Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Target 3.9 – Marine Water Quality.

Engagement in committees, working groups or sub groups

As required

Formal papers or positions supported, developed or tabled

As required

Number of research reports/findings developed

Inform the policy process to develop and implement new rules within Canada's domestic regulatory regime

Energy Efficiency Design Index and Shipboard Energy Efficiency Management Plan
Work on developing international energy efficiency and emission standards progresses

Adoption by the International Maritime Organization of the Energy Efficiency Design Index and the Shipboard Energy Efficiency Management Plan

Adoption of international standards into Canadian regulations and guidelines

As appropriate

Engagement in committees, working groups or sub groups

As required

Formal papers or positions supported, developed or tabled

As required

Number of research reports/findings developed

Inform the policy process to develop and implement new rules within Canada's domestic regulatory regime

Energy Efficiency Design Index and Shipboard Energy Efficiency Management Plan
International energy efficiency and emission standards are developed

Finalization of domestic regulations

Adoption of international standards into Canadian regulations and guidelines

As appropriate

Engagement in committees, working groups or sub groups

As required

Formal papers or positions supported, developed or tabled

As required

Number of research reports/findings developed

Inform the policy process to develop and implement new rules within Canada's domestic regulatory regime

Energy Efficiency Design Index and Shipboard Energy Efficiency Management Plan
International energy efficiency and emission standards are developed

Implementation of domestic regulations

Adoption of international standards into Canadian regulations and guidelines

As appropriate