On December 13, 2018, Bill C-86, A second Act to implement
certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on February
27, 2018 and other measures, otherwise known as the Budget
Implementation Act was given royal assent. This Bill,
which was first introduced on October 29, 2018, predominantly
pertains to amendments of budget-related legislation, but also
proposes significant amendments to both the Canada Shipping
Act, 2001 ("CSA") and the
Marine Liability Act ("MLA").
The amendments to the CSA were introduced to allow the federal
government to regulate for environmental reasons and specifically
"to deliver on commitments made under the Oceans Protection
Plan to enable the Government to respond to marine pollution
incidents faster and more effectively, and to better protect marine
ecosystems and habitats". The amendments provide significant
new powers and authority that potentially change the marine safety
and environmental protection framework in Canada.
