NIAGARA FALLS, ON, March 24, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, today addressed the International Union of Marine Insurance Spring Meeting delegates about the recent free trade agreements and measures taken with regard to marine liability and the World Class Tanker Safety Regime. A pillar of a world-class tanker safety system is a liability and compensation regime that ensures polluters pay for oil spill clean-ups and compensates those affected by spills.
Minister Raitt highlighted the integral role that marine transportation plays in Canada's international trade and economic growth.
She put the spotlight on the recently announced Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement, Canada's first with an Asian market, which will create thousands of new jobs in Canada and provide Canadian businesses and workers with a gateway to Asia, enhancing their global competitiveness.
She also stressed the importance of strengthening the safety of Canadians and better protecting our coasts and oceans, through legislation like Bill C-3, the Safeguarding Canada's Seas and Skies Act, and collaboration with international partners on harmonized conventions and regulations.