Abandoned and wrecked vessels can be harmful to the environment and to public safety. Abandoning your vessel is also illegal in Canada. Through Canada's Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada is taking further action to remove vessels that pose a threat, in order to protect our coasts and waterways.
Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, announced the launch of a new call for proposals under the Oceans Protection Plan's Abandoned Boats Program, which invites Canadians to submit proposals for projects that support the assessment, removal, and disposal of abandoned and wrecked vessels in Canadian waters.
Through the call for proposals, which will provide $1.6 million in total funding, the Government of Canada will pay up to 100% of costs associated with the assessment and removal of abandoned or wrecked vessels. Specifically, it will cover up to $5,000 for boat assessment projects and up to $250,000 for boat removal and disposal projects.
Transport Canada is now accepting applications from Indigenous communities and organizations, Canada Port Authorities, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, private ports and marinas, public sector organizations, and provinces, territories, and municipalities until June 15, 2023. Approved projects are expected to begin in 2023.
The Oceans Protection Plan is a Canadian success story. When Indigenous Peoples, industry, communities, scientists, and government work together to protect our environment, grow our economy, and support good jobs across the country, we deliver real results. The Oceans Protection Plan is keeping our oceans and coasts healthy, advancing reconciliation, and building a clean future for everyone.
