Canadians concerned about marine safety measures, survey tells Transport Canada

VANCOUVER – Marine safety was a concern for Canadians in a recent public opinion survey on transportation issues conducted for Transport Canada.

In British Columbia in particular, participants said they expect increased shipping traffic along the coast and said the federal government must do more to ensure safety.

The report recently posted on the ministry website said many participants believed the federal government was stepping back from its role in marine safety, owing largely to cuts the Conservative government has made to the Canadian Coast Guard.

Focus group participants came up with several suggestions to improve confidence in marine safety, including an air-traffic-control type system to guide ships into Canadian ports, and a third-party inspection regime for ships.

The surveys were conducted by Harris Decima earlier this year and involved a national survey of more than 3,000 people, as well as focus groups held in eight communities in January and February.

Pollsters questioned the focus groups about several key federal transport issues as well as changes to Canada Post to “reflect market realities.”