The National Marine Policy aims to ensure affordable, effective, and safe marine transport services. Under this policy, the government will commercialize the harbours and ports system, eliminating unnecessary and outdated regulations. Regional and local ports will be transferred to local governments and communities. The primary goal of the program is to place the management of facilities in the hands of local communities and user groups in order to better meet the individual needs of each community. The program's secondary goal is to replace the majority of government subsidies with user-pay systems while maintaining Transport Canada's commitment to safety and security.

Frequently Asked Questions on National Marine Policy Whom do I contact to find out general information about Transport Canada marine policies? How can I obtain a copy of the new National Marine Policy? What does the National Marine Policy change? What are the objectives of the National Marine Policy? What does the term "commercialization" mean in the National Marine Policy? Who will administer to Regional and Local ports? What happens in cases which involve First Nations interests? With the National Marine Policy, which body will support ferry services? Whom do I contact to find out general information about Transport Canada marine policies? Copies of Transport Canada acts and regulations may be found at the Transport Canada Regional library in Vancouver, at most public libraries, and on-line via the World Wide Web (http://www.tc.gc.ca). How can I obtain a copy of the new National Marine Policy? Both the Communications office and the Transport Canada Regional library have reference copies of the National Marine Policy. What does the National Marine Policy change? The National Marine Policy will make changes on the Government of Canada's direct operation role in the marine sector. The government's commitment to high levels of safety, security and environmental protection throughout the system will remain the same. What are the objectives of the National Marine Policy? The objectives are: ensure affordable, effective and safe marine transportation services; encourage fair competition based on transparent rules applied consistently across the marine transport system; shift the financial burden for marine transportation from the Canadian taxpayer to the user; reduce infrastructure and service levels where appropriate, based on user needs; continue the Government of Canada's commitment of safe transportation, a clean environment, and service to designated remote communities. The government will also maintain its commitment to meeting all constitutional obligations. What does the term "commercialization" mean in the National Marine Policy? In general, commercialization means eliminating unnecessary regulation and outdated legislation. In some cases, commercialization means creating new management structures to make operation more efficient. In other cases, it means reducing costs to the taxpayer by accounting for the real costs of a service, making sure costs are clear and transparent to users, and designing more efficient charging systems. It also means letting users decide what services they will receive and pay for. It may mean letting the private sector deliver certain services. Who will administer to Regional and Local ports? Regional and Local ports will be transferred to provincial governments, municipal authorities, community organizations, private interests, other groups and, in some cases, other federal departments over a six-year period. What happens in cases which involve First Nations interests? Where port sites involve First Nations interests, these interests will be given an opportunity to make proposals for the future management of the port. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada will work closely with Transport Canada to identify and address First Nations interests and concerns. With the National Marine Policy, which body will support ferry services? Under the National Marine Policy, the Government of Canada will continue to support all constitutionally mandated services, as well as those required by remote communities. In order to maintain essential services, it will be necessary to ensure that limited resources are applied where needed most. The government will explore means to reduce the cost of other federally subsidized ferry services currently provided by private-sector operators. The ferry subsidy agreement with the Province of British Columbia will be reviewed with the intent of concluding satisfactory arrangements consistent with the National Marine Policy.