Harper government announces funding to improve commercial fishing safety in Canada

Minister Raitt launches Commercial Fishing Safety component of Boating Safety Contribution Program

OTTAWA, April 29, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, joined by Members of Parliament from Atlantic Canada, today announced a new Commercial Fishing Safety component of the Government of Canada's Boating Safety Contribution Program.

Under this new component, up to $300,000 per year for the next three years will be available to support education and awareness initiatives that promote safe boating practices onboard small commercial fishing vessels across the country.

The following organizations are eligible to apply for funding under this component of the program:

• not-for-profit, non-government organizations;
• public safety organizations and associations;
• educational institutions;
• healthcare institutions;
• organizations specializing in safety and medical research;
• enforcement services; and
• provincial, territorial and municipal governments.

Applications for funding under this component will be accepted until June 15, 2015.

For more details about the program, the application process and the deadline for submissions, please visit www.tc.gc.ca/bscp.

Quick Facts

• The Boating Safety Contribution Program is a contribution funding program which aims to raise public awareness of boating safety by advancing knowledge of boating safety issues, practices and behaviours through enhanced awareness and education initiatives and projects. The revised program now includes two components – one geared towards safe boating practices onboard small commercial fishing vessels and the other focussed on recreational boating safety.
• Since 2009, through the Boating Safety Contribution Program, the Government of Canada has provided approximately $2.9 million for 54 recreational boating safety projects across Canada.
• Commercial fishing is recognized by the International Maritime Organization as one of the most dangerous occupations in the world. Between 2004 and 2013, the Transportation Safety Board reported a total of 72 fatalities from fishing vessel accidents in Canada.
  

Quotes

"Our government remains committed to working with our partners and stakeholders to promote safe boating practices across the country. Our investments through this new program will help enhance the lives and livelihoods of Canada's commercial fishers by helping to reduce loss of life, injuries and property damage due to accidents on the water."

The Honourable Lisa Raitt
Minister of Transport

"The Harper government is committed to ensuring the safety of our hard-working fishermen. That is why we are making unprecedented investments in our small craft harbours, which improves safety and working conditions for harbour users. I encourage our fishermen associations and other eligible groups to work on innovative projects so we further reduce accidents on small fishing vessels in Canada."

The Honourable Gail Shea
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

Associated Link

• Boating Safety Contribution Program, Commercial Fishing Safety component - Guide for Applicants

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SOURCE Government of Canada