Lisa Raitt News

Canada’s government has invested nearly $11 million to date for improvements and repairs to the Canadian Coast Guard College. The government of Canada is investing $8.6 million to replace the college’s roof, addition to $2.3 million already devoted to upgrading the emergency electrical system, announced transport minister Lisa Raitt on behalf of the fisheries and oceans minister Gail Shea. The investments aim to further reduce the college’s energy consumption while ensuring it maintains international standards for marine safety and environmental response training.

Funding for the installation of shore power facilities for container vessels at two Port Metro Vancouver container terminals has been announced by Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Canada’s Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Delta-Richmond East, on behalf of Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, and Port Metro Vancouver President and Chief Executive Officer Robin Silvester. Also present for the announcement were partners BC Hydro, Global Container Terminals – operators of Deltaport terminals – and DP World Vancouver, operators of Vancouver’s Centerm.

Canada’s Minister of Transport Lisa Raitt proposed new amendments to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations that would enhance reporting requirements and expand data collection. The proposed amendments would apply to the transportation of dangerous goods in all transportation sectors. The proposed amendments would broaden the scope of the original reporting requirements and help improve emergency response and risk analysis through stronger, more comprehensive data collection. This additional information would allow Transport Canada to establish more effective regulations in the future. New reporting requirements would also be put in place for dangerous goods incidents involving road vehicles…

Canada’s Minister of Transport Lisa Raitt, joined by Members of Parliament from Atlantic Canada, announced a new Commercial Fishing Safety component of the Government of Canada's Boating Safety Contribution Program, a contribution funding program which aims to raise public awareness of boating safety. 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. "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," Raitt said.

The Government of Canada has released the second report of the independent Tanker Safety Expert Panel, “A Review of Canada’s Ship-source Spill Preparedness and Response: Setting the Course for the Future, Phase II – Requirements for the Arctic and for Hazardous and Noxious Substances Nationally”, as part of the government’s efforts to continue strengthening Canada’s tanker safety system. The panel’s report concludes there are opportunities to enhance Canada’s prevention, preparedness and response requirements to better protect the public and the environment. There are recommendations for the Arctic, for hazardous and noxious substances and a recommendation on the management of marine casualty incidents.

Port Metro Vancouver has released its 2014 year-end statistics, showing its second consecutive year of record-breaking cargo volumes. According to the port, the year was marked by best-ever volumes in the bulk and container sectors, resulting in a record overall year in tonnage. The port's terminals handled 140 million metric tons of cargo in 2014, up three percent from 2013. Import cargo rose 4.1 percent to 27 million metric tons, and exports rose 3.3 percent to 108 million metric tons.

Ministers Raitt and Fast Appalled by Offensive Allegation from Seafarers International Union of Canada. “We join Prime Minister Harper in expressing our anger and sadness regarding the terrorist attacks in France. Our thoughts and prayers are with the French people, especially the families and friends of the victims. “Not only is the allegation false, it is a completely offensive and inappropriate tactic to use the global threat of terrorism to fear monger against the Canada-EU trade agreement. “The timing of this release is absolutely shameful. “Canada and its allies will not be intimidated. Together, we will stand firmly against terrorists who would threaten the peace, freedom and democracy our countries so dearly value.

Transport Canada informs that the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, has spoken of the important role Canada's marine ports play in supporting trade and economic growth in a speech to the 56th annual conference of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities, hosted by the Belledune Port Authority. Building on this year's conference theme of 'Anchors Away', Minister Raitt highlighted the opportunities and challenges in global shipping for Canada's ports, while promoting the importance of women – their contributions and potential for shaping the future of the transportation industry. Minister Raitt announced changes that…

Canada moved on Tuesday to strengthen its response plan for oil spills at sea ahead of the development of new pipelines that would sharply increase tanker traffic in Canadian waters if they are built. Among the new measures, the federal government said it would remove a per-incident liability cap on a domestic clean-up fund, which means that all the money in the fund could be made available to clean up a single spill. It also pledged to cover spill costs if clean-up funds were exhausted. It also said it will lift its ban on the use of dispersants in cases when using them offers a net environmental benefit. Dispersants are chemicals that break down oil slicks but can also harm marine life.

Stephen Edwards, President & CEO of GCT Global Container Terminals Inc., issued a statement on Port Metro Vancouver’s trucking dispute. “Due to the backlog of import cargo in containers held on our terminals caused by the trucking dispute, our Canadian subsidiary TSI Terminals Systems Inc. (TSI) has reluctantly issued force majeure (“inability to serve”) to our shipping line customers. This is applicable only to import cargo in containers destined for local delivery. Import cargo to rail and all export cargo are not affected and continue to be served by the company,” Edwards said.

Facing the prospect of continued disruption of port operations by disgruntled container truckers, Port Metro Vancouver said it is taking immediate steps to enhance the safety of the port for working truckers. At the same time, the port said it is working with federal and provincial governments, shippers and trucking companies to address trucker concerns and the continued instability of the container trucking industry. Port Metro Vancouver will be seeking continuation and expansion of our injunction to keep protestors off port property.

Canada's largest and most diverse port has released its 2013 year-end results showing continued growth, including a repeat of record volumes in the container and bulk sectors. In 2013, Port Metro Vancouver also advanced several ongoing capacity building infrastructure projects, updated and extended environmental initiatives and participated in substantial community engagement activities. The 2013 year-end statistics report shows that Port Metro Vancouver handled 135 million metric tons of cargo, a record for the Port, and an overall increase of nine percent over 2012.

The report aims to improve Canada's system for ship-source oil spill preparedness and response in order to better protect the public and the environment. "I want to thank the panel for its detailed, thoughtful work, and the invaluable expertise they have brought to this critical issue," said The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport. "I look forward to studying the report, speaking with stakeholders about their views, and discussing it with my cabinet colleagues. The independent panel consulted with pan-Canadian industry stakeholders…

Clay Maitland, Chairman of the North American Marine Environment Protection Association, announced that Morten Arntzen will moderate the Risk Management panel at this year’s North American World Maritime Day Observance being held on October 30th aboard the Hornblower Infinity in New York. This annual event explores this year’s World Maritime Day theme of Sustainability and will include a risk management roundtable featuring industry leaders such as Peter Evensen of Teekay, Phillip Shapiro of Liberty Maritime…

The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Industry, has announced a $2-million repayable contribution for research and development activities on new maritime surveillance technology being performed by AXYS Technologies Inc. Minister Raitt made the announcement at the 55th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities in Nanaimo, British Columbia. AXYS specializes in environmental monitoring systems for ports worldwide. This project will help the company develop applications that collect, analyze and display sensitive maritime data to enhance port and harbour security. Users will be able to monitor potential criminal threats in real time.

The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, spoke of the important role played by ports in the economic well-being of Canadians in a speech to the 55th annual general meeting and conference of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities, hosted by the Nanaimo Port Authority. Speaking to this year's conference theme of "Building partnerships," Minister Raitt said that the marine transportation system creates jobs and supports growth and prosperity for all Canadians while highlighting the importance of trade and collaboration with the United States on initiatives such as the Beyond the Border Action Plan. “Our government is convinced that by working together…

Port Metro Vancouver, Canada's largest and most diverse port has released its 2013 mid-year cargo volume results that show strong growth of six per cent over the same period last year, including new records in key sectors and an exceptional 2013 cruise season. The 2013 mid-year cargo volume statistics report shows that Port Metro Vancouver handled 66.4 million tonnes of cargo through the end of June. The 2013 mid-year throughput volumes reflect continuing demand for high quality Canadian commodities by Asian economies as well as strength in the Canadian economy.

The Honorable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, along with the Honorable Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Minister of National Revenue, on behalf of the Honorable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, today announced infrastructure investments that will strengthen the border, improve marine container inspection capacity and improve efficiency at Port Metro Vancouver (PMV). "Our government's top priority remains the economy and creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity in every region of Canada," said Minister Fast.

On March 26, a cargo of heavy automotive production machinery was transferred from the Federal Manitou at the Port of Toronto onto a barge destined for Port Stanley, Ontario thereby initiating the 2006 short sea shipping season. Earlier that day, the Federal Manitou was honored on its arrival as the first ocean-going cargo ship of the shipping season into the Port of Toronto. Its cargo was specialized automotive production machinery manufactured in Germany and loaded onto the Federal Manitou in Antwerp, Belgium. "The concept of short sea shipping has never been more relevant or important," said Lisa Raitt, President and CEO of the Toronto Port Authority.