Question Period Note: Blue Economy Strategy

Blue Economy Strategy

Canada has a unique opportunity to ensure that we restore and safeguard the health of our oceans, while at the same time support the role of oceans and ocean sectors in addressing climate change.

With the international ocean economy rapidly expanding, the time is right for Canada to adopt a clear strategic direction on how we are able to seize on growth opportunities in an environmentally and socially sustainable way.

That is why the Government will bring forward an integrated, whole-of-government Blue Economy Strategy that will outline the vision for Canada’s ocean space.

A healthy ocean is critical to sustainably grow our ocean economy. Canada is well-positioned to demonstrate to the world how this can be done responsibly, with the longest coastline in the world, direct access to three oceans, cutting-edge ocean science, and a strong track record on oceans protection and conservation.

As part of this work, we will build greater resilience in coastal regions and communities. These areas rely significantly on our blue economy, but also face heightened risks from climate change and resource exploitation.

Release of the Engagement Report
The Government held an extensive engagement process with Canadians to receive views on what should be included in the Strategy.

It is expected that the “What We Heard Report” will be released over the next few weeks.

Release of the Strategy
I expect that the Blue Economy Strategy will be released the first half of the year.

• Developing a comprehensive Blue Economy Strategy (BES) is a key mandate commitment for the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.
• On December 16, 2022 the Prime Minister mandated the Minister to “Continue working with business, academic institutions, non-profits, provincial and territorial governments, and Indigenous partners to grow Canada’s ocean and freshwater economy and support the long-term sustainable growth of Canada’s fish and seafood sector, ensuring Canada is positioned to succeed in the fast-growing global ocean sectors of the blue economy and advancing reconciliation, conservation and climate objectives.”
• The BES public engagement process was officially launched on February 8, 2021 and ended on June 15, 2021. Over a span of 158 days, engagement occurred with provincial, territorial and Indigenous partners and a wide range of Canadians involved in ocean industries, environmental and social justice initiatives, academia, science, and research and development through a series of virtual roundtables and meetings with the previous Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Parliamentary Secretary, and senior departmental officials. All Canadians were also encouraged to share their feedback by answering online survey questions or by submitting written input.
• The response to the blue economy engagement activities was extensive. A ‘What We Heard’ report summarizing the input received is currently being developed and is expected to be released in late January / early February 2022.
• The World Bank defines the blue economy as, “the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, and ocean ecosystem health.”
• The blue economy includes a diverse range of oceans-based sectors (e.g., commercial fisheries, aquaculture, marine transportation, offshore-oil and gas, shipbuilding, port and harbour infrastructure, and tourism) that generate economic and social benefits for individuals, communities, and coastal nations around the world.
• The global blue economy prior to COVID-19 was rapidly expanding and creating significant opportunities for growth. As per a 2016 report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), global economic activities tied to the oceans was projected to double to over CAD $4 trillion by 2030. The blue economy has the potential to outperform the global economy as a whole, both in terms of value added and employment.
• Canada’s ocean-based sectors contributed approximately CAD $36.1B annually (1.6% of national GDP in 2018) and is a source of nearly 300,000 jobs (1.6% of national employment in 2018).
• With key assets such as: the longest coastline in the world; access to three oceans; diverse and highly-valued oceans resources; leading oceans research; and, marine conservation efforts, Canada is well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities afforded by the growing blue economy.
• As the Government refocuses its agenda post-COVID-19, a forward-looking BES will set a vision for our ocean-related sectors and help guide future actions and investments to enable long-term sustainable growth, especially for coastal communities. The strategy will also advance our ocean conservation objectives, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and climate objectives.
• In addition, the Strategy will consider how to restore and safeguard our ocean health and how climate change is impacting oceans.
• A key tenet of the blue economy is that long-term value creation is directly linked to our ability to restore and rejuvenate ocean health, and that better stewardship of our oceans is essential to sustainable growth, and resilient and thriving coastal communities.
• A healthy ocean is critical for sustainable growth in the ocean economy and requires strong commitments to ocean preservation; improvements to the environmental performance of ocean sectors through innovation, technological development, and enhanced resource management; and, recognition that climate change and the health of the world’s oceans are inextricably linked.
• Internationally – in 2018 Canada, Kenya, and Japan co-hosted the Sustainable Blue Economy Conference in Nairobi. In December 2020, the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, of which the Prime Minister is a member, released their centerpiece report which committed countries to develop Sustainable Ocean Plans. The BES will achieve this international commitment for Canada.

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