Mr. Speaker, congratulations on your election as Speaker.
I rise to table a petition that is very important and timely. It is from the residents of Union Bay on Vancouver Island, who are deeply frustrated. They cite that there is significant risk to workers and the environment associated with ship-breaking due to the presence of a wide variety of hazardous materials and end-of-life marine vessels.
The petitioners also highlight that unlike other jurisdictions, Canada lacks standards on ship-breaking and unregulated ship-breaking activities, which are putting our oceans, coastal communities and workers at risk on Vancouver Island and around Canada. The lack of domestic oversight of ship-breaking and the disposal of end-of-life marine vessels frustrates Canada's ability to ensure compliance with its international obligations under the Basel Convention. The petitioners highlight that this could be a job creator.
The petitioners want to see the Government of Canada develop enforceable federal standards to reduce the negative impact of environmental and social impacts of ship-breaking that meet or exceed those set out in the EU ship recycling regulation; provide assistance through loans or grants to long-term, reputable ship-breaking companies to facilitate the implementation of new federal standards in their operations; and develop a strategy for recycling end-of-life, federally owned marine vessels.
This is the fourth year I have tabled this petition with no action.