More tanker inspections, additional ship surveillance and new legislation to strengthen pollution prevention and response were part of a $120 million oil tanker safety system overhaul announced by the federal government Monday as oil companies and Ottawa continue to position themselves as global oil producers.

Natural Resources minister Joe Oliver and Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Denis Lebel made the announcement while standing alongside the busy Port of Vancouver Monday afternoon.

“Our current system of marine safeguards has served us well for many years,” said Lebel. “Now, with trade expected to grow significantly in the coming years, we must enhance this system to keep our waters clean.”

 In a speech that repeated the phrase “world-class” seven times, Lebel announced new legislation has been tabled in Parliament, the Safeguarding Canada’s Seas and Skies Act, to “strengthen the current requirements for pollution prevention and response” and “enhance response to oil spill incidents”.  Eight new measures were also announced to improve tanker safety. Those include more tanker inspections, a system of ship surveillance and monitoring and improved marine aids such as “buoys, lights and other devices”.

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