Our Great Lakes

Transport Canada

Transport Canada's mission is to develop and administer policies, regulations and programs for a safe, efficient and environmentally friendly transportation system; contribute to Canada's economic growth and social development; and protect the physical environment. As partners in delivering the Government of Canada's Great Lakes Action Plan, Transport Canada helps protect the health of Great Lakes waters, through a wide variety of inspection, monitoring and training programs designed to ensure compliance with Canada Shipping Act regulations and those outlined in the International Conventions of the International Marine organization. All of these policies are intended to prevent pollution from shipping sources.

Transportation and Great Lakes Health

The Great Lakes are a crucial transportation corridor, and receive shipping from all over the world. But they are also a fragile and complex ecosystem.

By virtue of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, Transport Canada is also responsible under the Canada Shipping Act for protecting Great Lakes water quality from garbage, sewage, oil and other transportation-related water and air pollutant substances.

Ballast Water Discharge

It is crucial to protect Great Lakes waters from non-indigenous, potentially harmful aquatic organisms. Until now there has been a lack of agreed-upon ballast water discharge standards. Currently, Transport Canada is in the process of producing regulations based on the Guidelines for the Control of Ballast Water Discharge from Ships in Waters Under Canadian Jurisdiction. When adopted, these regulations will be mandatory and enforceable.

An additional challenge facing Transport Canada is the development of practical standards for use on vessels that do not meet environmentally safe standards (for example, in ballastwater exchange). While Transport Canada implements and enforces regulations, it is of course also committed to ensuring a high level of safety in Canada's transportation system.

An Eye on the Future

Transportation is critical for Canada's economic growth, yet it clearly has a significant environmental impact. If our Great Lakes are to remain the priceless natural asset that they are today, they must be protected from excessive degradation. Transport Canada recognizes its role in this process and continues to contribute financial and intellectual capital to this end.