Mandate
The Oceans Protection Plan Group is responsible for implementing the five-year plan that was launched in 2016 to achieve a world-leading marine safety system for Canada that will increase the Government's capacity to prevent and improve response to marine pollution incidents; preserve and restore marine ecosystems vulnerable to increased marine shipping and development and partner with Indigenous and coastal communities.
The Oceans Protection Plan (OPP) includes over 50 initiatives across four pillars and five government organizations (Transport Canada, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canadian Coast Guard, Environment and Climate Change Canada and Natural Resources Canada). The four pillars are:
- State of the art marine safety system: prevention and response
- Preservation and restoration of marine ecosystems
- Indigenous partnerships
- Stronger evidence base and increased community engagement
Profile
Executive Head: Jane Weldon
Size: 300 employees (238 in the national capital region and 62 in regions
Directorates:
- The Engagement and Policy Development Directorate
- Oceans Protection Plan (OPP) Operations
Jane Weldon
Executive Head, Oceans Protection Plan
Bio
Jane Weldon was appointed Executive Head of the Oceans Protection Plan in September 2019.
Jane was Director General of Marine Safety and Security from June 2016 until September 2019, responsible for policies and regulations to advance the safety and security of Canada’s marine transportation system. She also served as Director General of Transportation Infrastructure Programs from 2009 to 2016 on major port, airport, transit, rail and highway projects across Canada.
Before joining Transport Canada, Jane was Director General of the Homelessness Partnering Secretariat at Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. She held various other positions there from 2005 to 2009 and at Health Canada from 1990 to 1998. Jane began her career as a member of HMCS Carleton, part of Canada’s Naval Reserve. She has a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Ottawa.