January 14, 2019 - Gatineau, Quebec - Public Services and Procurement Canada
The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring the safety and economic viability of Canada's waterways, while growing Canada's economy and protecting Canada's marine ecosystems.
Public Services and Procurement Canada has awarded a contract to London Offshore Consultants, from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, for the development of a risk assessment methodology related to hundreds of vessels of concern (abandoned, wrecked or dilapidated vessels) in Canadian waters or on Crown land. The risk assessment methodology, expected to be delivered by this summer, will help the Canadian Coast Guard assess the level of risk these vessels pose to the environment, the economy and public safety.
The $1.5-billion Oceans Protection Plan is the largest investment the Government of Canada has made to protect Canada's coasts and waterways. This contract, valued at $551,554.95 (taxes included), will help improve the restoration and protection of marine ecosystems.
"Our government is committed to ensuring that the women and men of the Canadian Coast Guard have the tools required to help protect Canada's waters and shorelines. This contract award is an example of how the Oceans Protection Plan is protecting our marine environment and Canadians, while providing meaningful opportunities for businesses across Canada, including in Dartmouth."
The Honourable Carla Qualtrough
Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility
"This contract award further enhances the Canadian Coast Guard's ability to assess the risks posed by wrecked or abandoned vessels in our waterways and to help prioritize our operations. This is another example of an investment under the Oceans Protection Plan that will help keep our waters cleaner, healthier and safer for generations to come."
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
"Folks here in Dartmouth have a keen appreciation and understanding of the important role Canada's waterways play in communities like ours. I'm proud of Dartmouth's London Offshore Consultants' work to protect our nation's waterways."
Darren Fisher
Member of Parliament for Dartmouth–Cole Harbour
Quick facts
The National Strategy to Address Abandoned and Wrecked vessels seeks to prevent the occurrence of new problem vessels and make progress in cleaning up existing problem vessels.
Bill C-64, the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act, will strengthen owner responsibility and liability and address irresponsible vessel management, including vessel abandonment. It also provides the federal government, including the Canadian Coast Guard, with clear authority to take necessary measures to address hazards posed by these problem vessels.
