Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Canada's Oceans Strategy?
   
2. Why do we need Canada's Oceans Strategy?
   
3. How was Canada's Oceans Strategy developed?
   
4. How will Canada's Oceans Strategy be implemented?
   
5. How can you get involved in Canada's Oceans Strategy's Implementation?

What is Canada's Oceans Strategy?

Canada's Oceans Strategy is the Government of Canada's policy statement for the management of Canada's oceans. The Strategy re-affirms the Government of Canada's commitment to manage our oceans in collaboration with other levels of government, Aboriginal organizations, communities, businesses, non-governmental organizations, academia, and Canadians generally. The Strategy is a response to the Government's legal obligation under the Oceans Act of 1997. The Act states that the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada will lead and facilitate the development and implementation of a national strategy for the management of Canada's estuarine, coastal and marine ecosystems.

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Why do we need Canada's Oceans Strategy?

An ever-increasing number of demands are being placed on our oceans and their resources. Canada's Oceans Strategy aims to expand working partnerships among oceans stakeholders and replace the current, fragmented approach to oceans management with a collaborative, integrated approach. The Strategy also addresses the challenge of balancing the current growth in ocean industries, which support jobs and give Canada an important economic boost, with a commitment to maintaining and enhancing the well-being of our marine environment. Canada also has international oceans-related obligations to fulfill, and the Strategy will help position Canada as a world leader in oceans management.

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How was Canada's Oceans Strategy developed?

Over the past five years, the Government of Canada has worked closely with provincial and territorial governments, industry, academics, Aboriginal and community groups, non-governmental organizations and other Canadians on over 30 Integrated Management and Marine Protected Area initiatives on all three coasts. Canada's Oceans Strategy was developed based on the feedback and lessons learned during these five years.

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How will Canada's Oceans Strategy be implemented?

Canada's Oceans Strategy will be implemented by:

• Promoting modern oceans governance through Integrated Management planning, through new and existing institutional mechanisms, and through stewardship activities;
  
• Building on lessons learned through on-going practical experience with local-level oceans programs (Integrated Management planning; Marine Protected Areas; and Marine Environmental Quality), national policy activities and practical stewardship initiatives; and,
  
• Undertaking a series of specific activities designed to support Canada's Oceans Strategy's three core objectives - Understanding and Protecting the Marine Environment; Supporting Sustainable Economic Opportunities; and Demonstrating International Leadership in Oceans Management.

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How can you get involved in Canada's Oceans Strategy's Implementation?

You can get involved by reviewing Canada's Oceans Strategy and telling us how you see yourself working collaboratively with the Federal Government to improve the management of Canada's ocean resources.