With the longest coastline in the world, and ports of call in the Great Lakes, Saint Lawrence River, Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans, marine and coastal areas are important to the livelihoods and way of life of Canadians.
Today, Canada was re-elected to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026-27 term. This demonstrates Canada's record of leadership in the Organization, and its role in promoting a safe, secure, and environmentally sustainable global maritime sector.
The IMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations and is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping. Canada follows international conventions developed at the IMO, such as the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). Canada's active participation in the IMO is critical to maintaining and developing an international regulatory framework that reflects Canada's interests in the safety of shipping and seafarers, leveraging emerging technologies, strengthening international trade and supply chains, and protecting the environment.
Canada is a strong contributor to advancing IMO priorities, including addressing pollution by ships, cooperating on issues related to Arctic and polar waters, supporting gender equality and diversity in the maritime sector workforce, and protecting the well-being of seafarers.
