Government of Canada celebrates North American Safe Boating Awareness Week with new funding for boating safety projects
News Release
Promoting safe boating practices across the country
May 23, 2017 Vancouver, British Columbia Transport Canada
In celebration of North American Safe Boating Awareness Week, Joyce Murray, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra and Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board, today announced, on behalf of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, new funding to support initiatives that promote safe boating practices and behaviours in Canada.
This year, the University of British Columbia, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the Massawippi Water Protection Association are receiving a total of $1.24 million over three years for education and awareness projects. These projects aim to increase the number of pleasure craft operators following safe boating practices, and also to reduce injuries, loss of life and property damage due to boating accidents.
The funding comes from Transport Canada’s Boating Safety Contribution Program, which has two components – one geared towards recreational boating safety and the other focused on safe boating practices on board small commercial fishing vessels.
Quotes
“I am pleased to see that, year after year, our partners and stakeholders are onboard with our efforts to promote the importance of safe boating practices across the country. Together, we are making our waterways safer and working to reduce boating fatalities and injuries.”
Joyce Murray
Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra
Quick Facts
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North American Safe Boating Awareness Week 2017, which is taking place from May 20 to 26, promotes a wide range of safe boating practices to the estimated 14 million recreational boaters in Canada.
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On average, 100 boating fatalities happen annually on Canadian waters. About 90 per cent of people who drown in recreational boating incidents are not wearing a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD).
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In Canada, all recreational boats with a motor of 10 horsepower (7.5 kW) or more are required to have a pleasure craft licence.
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Contacts
Delphine Denis
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Delphine.Denis@tc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
media@tc.gc.ca
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