Government Announces New Funding for Safe Boating Practices

Marc Garneau Safe Boating

June 1, 2016

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, has announced new funding under Transport Canada’s Boating Safety Contribution Program for initiatives that promote safe boating practices and behaviours in Canada.

The Program includes two components – one geared towards recreational boating safety and the other focused on safe boating practices onboard small commercial fishing vessels. This year, under the Recreational Boating Safety component, five organizations are receiving a total of $1.3 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 Minister also announced a new call for proposals under the Recreational Boating Safety component for the 2017 boating season. Proposals will be accepted until October 15, 2016.

“As a former mariner, I know how important safety is when it comes to being on a boat. 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.” The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport

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Quick Facts

North American Safe Boating Awareness Week 2016, which is taking place from May 21 to 27, promotes a wide range of safe boating practices to the estimated 10 million recreational boaters in Canada.

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).

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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