Federal Government Takes Action to Protect Canada’s Waters

OTTAWA – The Government of Canada has introduced a regulatory amendment to protect Atlantic waters and improve navigation safety. Canada’s Transport Minister, John Baird, announced today the Regulations Amending the Atlantic Pilotage Authority Regulations, which will help protect the waters surrounding Saint John, New Brunswick, and Placentia Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador.

“By implementing these regulations, our government is going even further to protect our waters from potential environmental accidents,” said Minister Baird. “These changes are a result of successful discussions with marine stakeholders to ensure the safety of Canadians and the protection of our environment.”

The regulatory changes extend the compulsory pilotage area for oil tankers and liquefied natural gas vessels approaching the Canaport facility at the new area limit. In Placentia Bay, vessels that call at the proposed nickel receiving terminal at Long Harbour must now have pilots on board.

The Regulations Amending the Atlantic Pilotage Authority Regulations were pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on November 29, 2008. After a 30-day consultation period, no comments or notices of objection were received. The regulations were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II on March 18, 2009, and will come into force on March 28, 2009.