Canada’s Role at the International Maritime Organization

As a proud participant of the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee, we've led work on several key environmental files—from protecting waters from invasive aquatic species to taking steps to reduce underwater noise from ships.

• Canada played an active role in negotiations to revise the IMO GHG Reduction Strategy. This strategy sets the course for international shipping to reach net-zero GHG emissions by close to 2050.
• Having been one of the first states to ratify the 2010 Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) Convention, we continue to uphold the polluter‑pays principle and we're taking a leadership role regarding its entry into force by helping other member states with its implementation.
• Over the past five years, Canada has taken action on reducing underwater noise from vessels and promoting the adoption of quiet ship design standards and technologies internationally.
• We're leaders on reducing the risk ballast water poses to ecosystems and our economy. We led the structuring of the experience-building phase for the Ballast Water Management Convention.

Shipping activity increased by around 70% in the Canadian Arctic from 2010 to 2019, resulting in higher levels of harmful air and climate-warming emissions in the region.

• Canada is progressing towards designating an Emission Control Area in Canadian Arctic waters to protect this unique ecosystem and human health from these emissions. An Arctic Emission Control Area would require vessels travelling through this region to use cleaner technologies and cleaner fuels that have lower levels of pollution, helping protect culturally significant areas that Indigenous communities rely upon for their way of life. Canada's proposal will be considered by the IMO in spring 2024.
• Canada was also a leader in developing the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (the Polar Code) at the IMO and is a vocal supporter of its implementation. The Polar Code includes mandatory safety and pollution prevention measures that ships operating in these regions must implement.

Women make up only 1.2% of the global seafarer workforce, according to a 2021 report. There is critical work ahead for the IMO to advance gender equality and inclusion in the maritime industry.

• As a member of the IMO's Gender Equality Network, Canada will advance the Assembly 31 resolution to remove barriers for women in the industry.
• At home, we've renewed our investment in the Marine Training Program—a highly successful Oceans Protection Plan initiative that supports Indigenous Peoples, Northerners, and women in launching their careers in the marine industry. Since it began in 2016, more than 1,100 students have graduated, going on to careers with leading companies in the marine sector.  

Recognizing the vital role of seafarers in trade and the economy, Canada has worked hard both domestically and with the IMO to advocate and protect their health, safety, and well-being.

• Canada has established a Reciprocal Agreement Program with Australia, France, Georgia, Norway, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine, with more agreements planned, to recognize foreign-issued seafarer certificates. This allows them to work onboard Canadian ships, addressing the labour shortage in the Canadian marine sector.
• The Canadian National Seafarers' Welfare Board, comprised of shipowners, seafarers' welfare and labour representatives, port representatives and government, is a forum for discussing and addressing issues related to the welfare and well-being of seafarers.

Canada continues to support efforts to make the IMO a more efficient, effective, and transparent regulator.          

• Canada is resolute that the IMO continue to review long-standing procedures to bring the organization in-line with modern practices, such as livestreaming meetings where possible and using virtual tools to supplement in-person meetings.
• In December 2022, Canada accepted the amendments to the IMO Convention to create a more inclusive, balanced, and diverse council.