Press

Feds to increase approach distance to 200m from orcas

On October 26, 2017, the federal government announced it will enact an enforceable requirement for all water-based vessels to maintain a minimum distance of 200 metres from southern resident killer whales beginning by next spring. In response, the Executive Director of Georgia Strait Alliance, Christianne Wilhelmson, made the following statement: “With this policy, the federal government is strengthening the current…

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Time is running out to fend off orca extinction

Federal government’s orca symposium failed to establish concrete action on recovery measures, say seven conservation groups

The federal government’s southern resident killer whale Symposium, held as part of the Oceans Protection Plan this week in Vancouver, failed to identify concrete actions to ensure the recovery of the endangered killer whales, according to seven environmental organizations. “Threats to southern residents are well-documented and to support recovery we need to be implementing tangible measures immediately,” says Christianne Wilhelmson,…

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Province of BC announces strong first steps to fight Kinder Morgan

Georgia Strait Alliance lauds efforts to stop 700% increase in tanker traffic

On Thursday, August 10th, the Province of British Columbia made an announcement of their first steps to defend BC’s interests against the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion proposal. Christianne Wilhelmson, Executive Director of Georgia Strait Alliance, made the following statement in response: “The Province’s announcement on Kinder Morgan is a strong commitment to First Nations consultation and reconciliation, to BC’s coastal…

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Vancouver Festival of Ocean Films announces official film selection

World Oceans Day & Orca Awareness Month celebrated through film on June 4

The Vancouver Festival of Ocean Films is back for its 8th year on June 4, presenting a selection of short- and feature-length documentaries that focus on the ocean and the important role that this resource has in supporting healthy and prosperous communities and economies. This year, marine experts and filmmakers will lead Q&As after each screening, and there will be…

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Georgia Strait Alliance conducts first marine spill training in Victoria Harbour

Through its eco-certification program: Clean Marine BC

Georgia Strait Alliance, a BC-based marine conservation organization, facilitated a spill response training session this week in Victoria Harbour to assist participating marinas with their planning, preparation and responses to small-scale marine oil spills should one occur at their docks. This represents the first time the organization has brought its spill training program to Victoria. “When marinas and wharfs are…

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Eleven BC marinas prepare for marine oil spill

Georgia Strait Alliance organizes mock spill training in Vancouver Harbour

Eleven marinas—all members of Georgia Strait Alliance’s Clean Marine BC program—participated in a theoretical and practical marine oil spill response training session yesterday at False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf in Vancouver. Participating marinas refreshed their knowledge and honed their planning and preparation skills to be able to effectively deal with and respond to a small-scale marine oil spill, which involved a…

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Ocean protection plan meaningless if Kinder Morgan is approved

Georgia Strait Alliance responds to federal Oceans Protection Plan

Today, the federal government announced a series of measures related to spill response and marine safety under the banner of the Oceans Protection Plan. Alexandra Woodsworth, Energy Campaigner at Georgia Strait Alliance, made the following statement in response: “These welcome and long overdue protection measures are needed to address the threats BC’s west coast faces now from existing shipping traffic…

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The removal of Viki Lyne II from Ladysmith Harbour gets underway

Georgia Strait Alliance underscores need for comprehensive, timely approach to abandoned and derelict vessels

The abandoned and decaying Viki Lyne II is finally being towed away for safe dismantling after sitting in Ladysmith Harbour since 2012. Vancouver, BC—The abandoned and decaying Viki Lyne II is currently being removed from Ladysmith Harbour as part of the execution of a contract tendered by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and it will be dismantled…

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Groups across Canada urge Premier Christy Clark to reject Kinder Morgan

“We are calling on Premier Clark to reject the pipeline on the basis that her spill conditions cannot be met.”

More than 30 groups across Canada today sent a letter to Premier Clark urging the provincial government to reject the Kinder Morgan pipeline. An effective ‘world-leading’ oil spill response system, which the province demanded, is not possible if the oil contains diluted bitumen. The proposed Kinder Morgan Expansion pipeline, which would result in a six-fold increase in tankers carrying bitumen through…

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Strategy to address abandoned, derelict and wrecked vessels

GSA view on tackling abandoned vessel problem

Transport Canada, Environmental Policy Place de Ville, Tower C – 26th Floor 330 Sparks Street Ottawa, ON K1A 0N5 VIA EMAIL Eric Huberdeau, Manager and Policy Adviser Nicole Legault, Director, Sustainable Transportation System Policy Dear Mr. Huberdeau and Ms. Legualt: Re: Strategy to address abandoned, derelict and wrecked vessels Let me take this opportunity to commend Transport Canada for taking…

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