We all rely on international shipping–here’s what Canada is doing about it
Did you buy something online this month? If you did, there’s a good chance that product arrived here by boat. We all rely on marine shipping—for food, fuel, vehicles, computers, furniture, (don’t forget coffee!) and so much more.
In 1948, Canada was a founding member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized United Nations agency that sets global standards for international shipping. For the last 64 years, Canada has served on the IMO Council—the key forum for influencing international marine policy and regulations.
Again this year, Canada is seeking re-election to the IMO Council to continue its strategic role in helping direct the work of various IMO committees on ensuring the security of international shipping, protecting the environment and polar waters, promoting gender equality, and supporting the health and safety of our seafarers.
With the longest coastline in the world and ports of call in the Great Lakes and Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans, Canada’s seat at the IMO Council means we have a more effective say in shaping international shipping rules and regulations with Canadians’ interests front of mind.
What is Canada doing at the IMO?
With a permanent mission of representatives to the IMO in London, Canada has become an international leader on safety, security, and environmental issues that are important to Canadians and the international maritime community. We support the sector’s economic contributions while reducing the environmental impacts of marine shipping.
This December, Canada is vying for re-election to the IMO Council, focusing on the following priorities:
Protecting the environment and reducing greenhouse gases
As a proud participant of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee, we’ve led work on key environmental files—from protecting waters from invasive aquatic species to taking steps to reduce underwater noise from ships. We also played an active role in negotiations to revise the IMO GHG Reduction Strategy , which in 2023, set the course for international shipping to reach net-zero GHG emissions by close to 2050. Substantial work lies ahead both at the IMO and domestically to develop and implement the measures needed to achieve the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy.?
领英推荐
Protecting polar waters and Arctic cooperation
Canada was 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. In 2024, Canada will also propose to the IMO an Emissions Control Area (ECA) in Canadian Arctic Waters to reduce air pollutants from ships in that region and help protect Arctic ecosystems that are integral to the Inuit way of life. While the ECA’s agreement at the IMO will ensure compliance from ships engaged in international voyages through Canada’s Arctic waters, Canada will also undertake the important work with our remote communities and affected shipping industry to implement the ECA at home.?
Promoting women in the maritime sector
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 program that supports Indigenous Peoples, Northerners, and women in launching their careers in the marine industry. Since it launched in 2016, more than 1,100 students have graduated, going on to careers with leading companies in the marine sector.?
Supporting the health and safety of seafarers
Recognizing the vital role of seafarers in supporting trade and the economy, Canada strives to advance safety and security standards for seafarers, both domestically and internationally. Through the National Seafarers’ Welfare Board, we are enhancing seafarers’ well-being, and through a reciprocal agreement with partner countries that allows their certified seafarers to work onboard Canadian vessels, we are addressing labour shortages in the Canadian marine sector.
How significant is marine trade to Canada?
Marine trade makes a significant contribution to Canada’s economy— in 2022, it was valued at $345 billion, representing 23% of total international trade. It’s also critical to our way of life, generating 28,400 Canadian jobs.
Given the importance of marine trade—and the impact it has on our everyday lives—we’re committed to advocating a safe, efficient, and sustainable shipping sector that’s better for Canadians.