Public engagement to inform strategy

With the longest coastline in the world, Canada has access to vast ocean-based resources that can be utilized for economic potential.

In order to unlock these opportunities, the federal government is inviting input into a Blue Economy Strategy, which envisions protecting and revitalizing the health of Canada’s oceans while taking advantage of emerging economic growth opportunities across ocean sectors.

“A healthy ocean has more to give – it can feed more mouths, employ more people and create more opportunities for the entire country. Canada needs a Blue Economy Strategy that will harness the power and potential of our oceans to create a future that is more sustainable, more prosperous and more inclusive,” says the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. “The best way to ensure people are at the heart of the plan is to have Canadians share their ideas so we can work towards this brighter future together.”

In addition to engaging key ocean sector stakeholders – such as ocean-related businesses, Indigenous people, local and provincial governments, economic development organizations and environmental groups, the government invites all Canadians to participate in an online engagement portal until June 15.

The goal? Helping to shape a federal strategy that will enable Canada to build back better by integrating growth with ocean conservation and climate action; create stable jobs and fuel prosperity for coastal regions and communities; encourage greater participation of Indigenous peoples, women, and under-represented groups in the ocean economy and strengthen ocean sectors.

The feedback will inform a strategy that is reflective of the needs of the communities that stand to grow and benefit the most from a strong coordinated approach to ocean investment and policy-making.

Advertising feature produced by Randall Anthony Communications. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.