Leaders in the shipping industry, including David Rivest of Desgagnés Transarctik Inc., Daniel Dagenais of NEAS, and Saul Polo of St. Lawrence Shipoperators, are urging the federal government to address security and environmental challenges in Arctic waters. They emphasize that climate change and rising ship traffic could jeopardize safety, particularly in the Northwest Passage. Rivest highlighted the potential for a thriving Arctic shipping corridor, but stressed the need for enhanced resources, such as more icebreakers and improved emergency response capabilities, to ensure safe navigation.
Additionally, Rivest called for a comprehensive understanding of Arctic waters, including better depth mapping and improved ice and weather monitoring. These measures are essential for shippers to effectively plan their Arctic journeys and to establish a safe shipping corridor for the future. The leaders recently met with various federal departments, including the Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada, to discuss these pressing needs and to educate policymakers about the realities of Arctic operations.
Beyond immediate shipping concerns, they are also advocating for broader government support, including housing initiatives and marine infrastructure improvements. Rivest emphasized that their mission as Arctic sealift operators is to efficiently resupply northern communities and support the resource sector, ensuring sustainable development in the region.
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