Q&A with Minister Diane Lebouthillier
Mediaplanet sat down with the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier to learn more about her 2024 strategic priorities.
Can you outline the government of Canada’s efforts to protect Canada’s oceans?
Canada is home to hardworking fish harvesters and processors who continue the proud tradition of producing some of the best quality fish and seafood products in the world, contributing to food security and a multi-billion-dollar industry.
But as we know, the challenges they are facing are numerous. And with climate change and the resulting warming of the oceans, everything is changing underwater right now.
Our oceans play a central role in regulating the Earth’s climate, and if we don’t protect them, we will not have any fish left to catch. That's one of the many reasons why our government is working to protect 30 per cent of Canada’s oceans by 2030.
Canada’s efforts must also be coordinated with the rest of the world through initiatives like the historic Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework landed at COP15 in Montreal (2022). Through this, 195 countries agreed to protect 30 per cent of lands and waters by 2030. On March 5th, 2024, Minister Lebouthillier signed, on behalf of Canada, the “High-Seas Treaty” to adhere to a coordinated approach to establishing marine protected areas on the high seas beyond national jurisdiction.
Since 2015, Canada went from protecting
less than one per cent of its oceans to over 14.6 per cent, by working closely with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous governments, and other partners.
These commitments continue to be a priority, spearheaded by investments of up to $800 million over seven years to support up to four Indigenous-led conservation initiatives (2022) through the Project Finance for Permanence (PFP), and $976.8 million over five years to establish additional Marine protected areas (MPAs) and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures, such as marine refuges (2021).
supported over 135 projects and helped retrieve:
• 2,214 tonnes of lost gear
• 35,329 units of gear 857 kilometres of rope
While negotiations continue for all four PFP, in October 2023, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, signed an agreement-in-principle with the Qikiqtani Inuit Association to create and support MPAs in Nunavut through the Inuit-led Qikiqtani PFP.
The same month, Minister Lebouthillier signed the Letter of Intent for Cooperation on Pikialasorsuaq with her Greenlandic counterpart, Kalistat Lund. The Letter of Intent will allow for the implementation of a joint steering committee across Canada and Greenland for the conservation of Pikialasorsuaq Arctic polynya.
Our government is also investing to address gear loss through the Ghost Gear Program. Launched in 2020, this program has
And, after years of neglect by the previous government, Canada has removed 584 abandoned boats since 2017 under the Oceans Protection Plan (2016), the largest investment ever made to protect Canada’s coasts and waterways.
Finally, we’re tackling illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing to maintain sustainable fisheries around the globe. In October 2023, DFO Fishery officers successfully completed the first Canadian-led high seas patrol to detect and deter IUU fishing in the North-Pacific alongside the United States Coast Guard and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Work to protect Canada’s oceans must and will continue. We owe it to future generations to ensure that they have healthy oceans and can continue to fish and enjoy seafood products across the country.
Growing Canada’s Ocean Economy by 5 Times
Canada’s ocean impacts us all, but there’s much work that needs to be done to harness the incredible economic potential it holds.
By 2030, the world’s ocean economy will outpace the growth of the broader economy by 20 per cent, growing to $4 trillion. For Canada, this is one of the most important opportunities of our time — not just because of the transformational potential it holds for workers, communities, and industry, but also because of the global conversation on carbon, biodiversity, and how critical the ocean is to the health of our planet.
Our ocean is critical in the transition to renewable energy, feeding a growing population, greening marine shipping for commerce, and increasingly putting Canada
at the forefront of the global economy. Further, the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy released a report stating that the ocean could contribute up to 35 per cent of the emissions reductions required by 2050.
Unlocking the ocean economy’s potential
“Whether you live by an ocean or not, it has an impact on us all,” says Kendra MacDonald, CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster.
“We have the longest coastline in the world, vast resources, and strength in areas such as ocean AI and other advancing technologies, yet Canada’s ocean contributes less than half of the global average to
national GDP. Given the magnitude of this opportunity and the urgency behind it, now is the time to unlock the potential of a $220 billion ocean economy in Canada through Ambition 2035.”
As Canada’s national ocean cluster, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster connects the country’s ocean community, accelerates the development of Canadian ocean solutions to sell to the world, helps grow ocean companies, provides a global brand to support commercial opportunities for Canadian companies internationally, and will create 20,000 jobs by 2030. Last year the cluster launched a 5X growth ambition for Canada’s sustainable ocean economy.
Kendra MacDonald CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Hatch's IndustryLeading Commitment to Hydropower Celebrates 100 Years
Global engineering firm Hatch is leading the way in hydropower thanks to its continued commitment to innovation and cutting-edge problem solving.
Tania Amardeil
Investment in renewable energy is at an all-time high, and the need for clean, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions is greater than ever. Hydropower has great potential to lower carbon and create a climate-resilient future, and Hatch is leading the way in providing innovative, sustainable approaches and solutions in the industry. Hatch is a global engineering, project management, construction management, and professional services firm known for its work in energy, mining, and infrastructure.
Creating smarter solutions and advanced technologies in hydropower
“What we do is pretty cool,” says Sophie Alrhieh, Regional Manager of Ontario Hydropower and Dams at Hatch. “We grab the power of flowing water and turn it into clean energy. Our work encompasses the entire lifecycle of hydropower projects, from pre-feasibility to design, construction management, and operational support.”
From small set-ups for local communities to giant dams that power thousands of homes, Hatch’s projects run the gamut, showcasing the company’s versatility and expertise. Advances in technology and digitalization are propelling its work forward — making small hydro more cost-effi-
cient and refurbishing existing facilities more feasible. Hatch thrives on tackling the toughest challenges, unifying stakeholders, and devising agile solutions across the Power industry.
“Our big dream is to enable a cleaner energy future with hydropower,” says Alrhieh. “We want to show that we can meet the world’s energy needs without harming the environment; with smart solutions and the latest technologies, we’re making it happen one project at a time.”
Celebrating 100 years of hydropower
This year, Hatch celebrates a 100-year milestone in hydropower, demonstrating its long-term commitment to advancing clean energy. While the team celebrates its past achievements, it’s also future-focused — ambitiously driving for continuous improvement toward a sustainable future. “This milestone is a reminder for us to keep pushing the envelope, finding new ways to be even better at what we do,” says Alrhieh.
We want to show that we can meet the world’s energy needs without harming the environment; with smart solutions and the latest technologies, we’re making it happen one project at a time.
AInnovation and continuous improvement are ingrained within the core of the Hatch team’s ethos. This is the reason why Hatch brings hydropower experts together annually to learn, connect, and work toward providing smarter solutions. The annual Hatch H. G. Acres Symposium, now in its 55th year, unites industry experts to explore sustainable power generation, ways to lower carbon, and social responsibility. The symposium aims to foster collaboration among professionals and thought leaders, shaping the future of power production. This year’s topics include hydro development with First Nations leadership, unlocking potential with inclusive designs, mobilizing the workforce, and more!
“I’d like to invite everyone to dive deep into the renewable energy and sustainability discussion,” says Alrhieh. “It’s going to take all our ideas and voices to shape the future of clean energy. Together, we have an incredible chance to push boundaries, to innovate and truly to make a difference — to create positive change.”
trailblazer in ocean education, Ocean Wise is a global conservation organization that works to take meaningful action to protect and restore oceans. They uplift and accelerate activists across the world through a variety of opportunities – including their Eco-Action Accelerator Program. This 16-week, part-time microgrant is available to Canada Service Corps (CSC) alumni ages 19 to 30 who want to scale up conservation projects.
A lot of exciting initiatives have come out of the program – including Solastalgia. Created by Sayemin Naheen, this Vancouver-based initiative focuses on amplifying intergenerational voices. They bring youth together through different in-person events and activities such as local art showcases, as well as online engagements. They’ve recently launched a much-anticipated second magazine called Eco-Engagement and Climate Action.
Taking ideas further Solastalgia aims to be an established, accessible platform where young people can connect with themselves and their eco-emotions. Sharing a similar aspiration, Ally Chant co-created Ripple Environmental Education.
about marine debris upcycling, and created a lending library.”
Another program alumni is Kim De La Cruz. Her project, Native Plants Heal Souls, is a Vancouver Island initiative that explores the teachings of traditional plants and their ability to inspire mindfulness and connection to the Earth. Offering free guided events like nature walks, workshops, and more, Kim plans to produce a plant field guide in the next iteration of her project.
A sustainable future
Nidhi Kotikalapudi created the Aquativity Project to promote environmental justice and reduce eco-anxiety through storytelling. “We just hosted Trash2Treasures, a Calgary-based event that featured a fashion show of clothes made of recycled materials,” Nidhi says. “The project’s goal is to spark interest in overconsumption and sustainable development through creativity, and get people reflecting on their own consumer habits.”
The project’s goal is to spark interest in overconsumption and sustainable development through creativity, and get people reflecting on their own consumer habits.
“Through another Ocean Wise program, we had written and published a children’s book about keeping beaches litter-free called Every Little Bit,” Ally explains. “Through Eco-Action, we expanded on this idea and started a non-profit called Ripple Environmental Education. We’ve established partnerships across Nova Scotia, provided free workshops to schools and community groups
Michael Norris developed Friends of the Brook to raise awareness about Toronto’s often-forgotten river systems. “They’re actually the indigenous spawning grounds of Atlantic salmon, but their numbers have decreased dramatically as we’ve built dams,” Michael explains. “Ocean Wise connected me with professionals that provided funding, through which I was able to build and install prototypes that allows salmon to pass through and continue to spawn.”
The Eco-Action Accelerator Program breaks down financial and social barriers for participants, helping incredible projects scale up and focus on long-term sustainability.
Safaa (Sophie) Alrhieh Regional Manager, Ontario Hydropower & Dams, Hatch
An Ocean-First Approach To Climate Change
For centuries, our oceans have soaked up massive amounts of carbon dioxide — more than all rain forests combined — helping to regulate Earth's temperature. However, recent scientific discoveries paint a concerning picture: the ocean's ability to perform these important functions may be changing in ways we don't fully understand. This poses a major risk to our people, environment, and economy, highlighting the urgent need to not only understand these changes but also actively protect this important climate shield.
Canada is emerging as a leader in ocean-climate research, with organizations like the Ocean Frontier Institute (OFI) playing a pivotal role. OFI serves as a global hub for innovative ocean research, uniting a diverse group of researchers to tackle complex ocean challenges.
Launched in 2023, the Transforming Climate Action (TCA) research program marks a significant leap forward. Led by OFI on behalf of Dalhousie University, the program adopts a unique "ocean-first" approach by focusing on understanding the ocean's link to climate, developing climate mitigation solutions, and supporting equitable climate adaptation.
Bridging knowledge for a sustainable future
What truly sets TCA apart is its commitment to groundbreaking research and collaboration, specifically with English and French speaking universities and Canada's Indigenous communities.
“Indigenous knowledge of the ocean and its ecosystems, built over generations of living in close connection with the land and sea, is invaluable,” says Dr. Anya Waite, Chief Executive Officer and Scientific Director at OFI.
Instead of approaching communities with preset projects and solutions, TCA prioritizes authentic dialogue and communication. This collaborative approach fosters a deeper understanding of the ocean’s role in climate change and will hopefully lead to solutions that are effective and respectful of Indigenous perspectives.
"Many Indigenous communities are on the front lines of climate change, experiencing its effects firsthand," observes Dr. Waite. "Through collaborative dialogues, we’re exploring ways to integrate traditional ecological knowledge with Western science to design meaningful solutions."
Including oceans in the climate dialogue
The ocean controls our climate, and its health is intricately linked to our own.
“By diving deeper into the ocean's role in regulating climate, we’re paving the way for a future where this important resource isn't just protected, but leveraged in the fight against climate change,” says Dany Dumont, researcher on the TCA program and professor of Ocean Sciences at Université du Québec à Rimouski.
Canada's innovative approach serves as a powerful example of how collaboration and knowledge-sharing can be harnessed to build a more sustainable future for our planet.
"The challenges we face transcend disciplinary boundaries," emphasizes Dr. Dumont. "So, a collaborative approach that integrates diverse perspectives is critical."
The need for sustained ocean observation Research under the TCA program will last between seven and eight years, which will deliver critically needed information about the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon. However, the TCA
team stresses there's also a need for long-term and sustained ocean observation.
The proposed North Atlantic Carbon Observatory (NACO) is one such example. Intended to be a permanent and integrated observing system, NACO would establish a comprehensive observation network across the North Atlantic Ocean, which plays a critical role in our climate system.
Building on the success of the TCA program, the aim of NACO is to gather crucial data on an ongoing basis to help us understand how climate change impacts carbon storage and develop effective strategies for protecting our planet, such as marine carbon dioxide removal solutions.
While Canada has the expertise to lead these ocean-first solutions to climate change, international collaboration is critical for success. No individual nation can tackle the problem of climate change alone.
Melissa Vekil