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Description:
This Act, jointly administered by Transport Canada (shipping) and Indian Affairs and Northern Development (inshore) was introduced to prevent pollution of waters adjacent to the mainland and islands of the Canadian arctic. It recognised that the exploitation and shipment of arctic natural resources to the markets of the world could potentially threaten the welfare of the Inuit and other inhabitants of the Canadian arctic and the delicate ecological balance that now exists in the water, ice and land areas of the Canadian arctic. Environment Canada may be called upon to assist in assessment and enforcement activities related to the disposal of waste onshore and at sea in arctic waters.

Arctic waters are defined to include waters within the area enclosed by 60° North latitude, 141° longitude, and a line one hundred nautical miles seaward from the nearest Canadian land. Off Greenland, a line equidistant from the Canadian islands and the Greenland coast is substituted for the 100 mile limit.

Regulations:

• Arctic Shipping Pollution Prevention Regulations
• Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Regulations

Links:

• Department of Justice: Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act
  Complete text of the act