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Government of Canada and Heiltsuk Nation reaffirm commitment to local marine emergency response capacity

July 4, 2024 at 2:05 pm  Federal, Politics

July 4, 2024

Bella Bella, British Columbia – Indigenous Nations and Canada share ties to oceans and waterways that span generations.

Often the first to respond to marine emergencies on the Central Coast, the knowledge and expertise of coastal First Nations are critical to protecting the waters there. Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan continues to build on opportunities to collaborate with coastal First Nations to protect, preserve, and restore our shared oceans and waterways. 

Today, the Government of Canada and Heiltsuk Nation signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), reaffirming their commitment of working together to enhance the Nation’s role in marine environmental response within Heiltsuk territory.

Under the MOU, and in collaboration with Heiltsuk Nation, the Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada will continue to expand marine preparedness and response capacity on the West Coast. A pilot Marine Emergency Response Team (MERT) will continue and be expanded to support community-based oil spill response within Heiltsuk territory and will test methods on how to improve Canada’s national oil spill preparedness and response system. Heiltsuk Nation responders and the Canadian Coast Guard will practice key skills for spill response through exercises specific to the area, and they will also conduct on-the-water exercises to simulate real-life incidents and response.  

Through the Oceans Protection Plan, we are strengthening partnerships with Indigenous Nations and regional groups actively involved in marine safety, keeping our oceans and coasts safe and healthy for years to come. This unique partnership and enhanced community capacity represent steps towards enhanced marine preparedness and response in Heiltsuk Nation’s territory.  

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