Prime Minister Carney Announces $1.2 Billion Investment to Protect Canada's Oceans
On September 29, 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a $1.2 billion investment package in Vancouver to strengthen ocean conservation, marine safety, and Indigenous partnerships on Canada's West Coast ahead of major energy project expansions.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a new $1.2 billion investment in ocean conservation in Vancouver on September 29, 2026. The funding package is designed to strengthen marine safety, support Indigenous stewardship, and prepare for increased vessel traffic linked to major energy projects on Canada's West Coast.
More than $740 million will be invested over the next four years to strengthen ocean conservation. This portion of the funding includes renewing measures under the Oceans Protection Plan and enhancing Canadian Coast Guard capacity to accommodate major project expansions on the West Coast. The investment also covers modernizing Transport Canada’s marine safety systems and upgrading Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Conservation and Protection law enforcement capabilities.
An additional $136 million over the next four years is allocated to protect marine life. These funds will focus on whale protection, marine mammal spill response, and underwater noise science and management.
The government is also investing $186 million to strengthen Indigenous partnership and conservation efforts. Initiatives include expanding the Northern Shelf Bioregion Reconciliation Framework Agreement and supporting Indigenous-led stewardship in the Lower Fraser River.
The announcement coincides with significant developments in the energy sector. LNG Canada recently announced it will proceed with a Phase 2 expansion of its facility in Kitimat, B.C., which would double its capacity. Additionally, Ottawa faces a Thursday deadline to decide whether to designate a proposed pipeline from Alberta to the southern B.C. coast as a project of national interest.