On March 18, 2013 the Federal government announced proposed
amendments to the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 (the "Act")
and introduced eight new tanker-safety measures. The announcement
was made by Natural Resource Minister Joe Oliver and Transportation
Minister Denis Lebel in Vancouver, British Columbia. Recently the
province of British Columbia has expressed considerable concern
regarding future tanker traffic arising from increased export of
petroleum products from the province. The eight measures include
increased inspections of foreign tankers, expanded aerial
surveillance designed to monitor ship traffic and detect oil
spills, a review of tug-escort requirements, expanded research into
petroleum products to understand how they behave when spilled in
the marine environment, and more ports being designated for
traffic-control measures. The first port to be designated to
receive traffic-control measures is Kitimat, British Columbia. The
ministers also announced the
