Government Pledges $125 million for Supporting Indigenous Communities through Oceans Protection Plan

Funding will improve marine safety in coastal communities and enhance the EMSA maritime information system. Credit: Shutterstock

Feb 11, 2025

The Canadian Government will invest $125 million through two initiatives under the Oceans Protection Plan to improve marine safety in 47 communities across Canada.

$16 million of the funding will be used to support 34 Indigenous communities in hiring marine coordinators through the Indigenous and Local Communities Engagement and Partnership Program (ILCEPP). These marine coordinators will be responsible for building partnerships that help support cooperative management of coasts and waterways and integrating Indigenous Knowledge in proposed federal policies.

The remaining $109 million will be used to expand the Enhanced Maritime Situational Awareness initiative (EMSA).

EMSA is user-friendly maritime information system that provides overviews of marine environments to help communities improve maritime awareness, plan vessel routes, improve community safety on the water and on the ice, identify sensitive areas and protect local environments. The funding will be used to increase community partnerships and improve marine safety and environmental monitoring and protection.

EMSA was co-developed by 13 Indigenous communities and organizations and is now used by 85 Indigenous communities across Canada.

Canadian Minister of Transport and Internal Trade Anita Anand says the Government is committed to advancing reconciliation through meaningful and concrete actions.

“With so many Indigenous communities located near bodies of water, we are investing in marine safety and capacity funding to ensure that they have access to the tools and resources they need,” she said.

Launched in 2016, Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan is designed to improve marine shipping safety, build stronger partnerships with Indigenous and coastal communities, improve training and incident prevention and response, and protect and restore marine ecosystems.