Environment Minister Mary Polak issued the following statement in response to the Canadian Coast Guard’s review of the Marathassa spill in English Bay.

“The review of the MV Marathassa fuel spill released today by the Canadian Coast Guard is a very good first step towards ensuring our coast is better protected from any potential spill.

“The 25 recommendations outlined in this report clearly articulate the need for the Coast Guard to improve spill response capabilities, and also serves as a roadmap towards ensuring that happens. The Province is committed to working with all of our partners to see the recommendations are acted upon. Our ultimate goal continues to be a world-class marine spill regime from the federal government.

“Over the past two years we have been encouraged by measures the federal government has taken in regards to tanker safety and marine spill preparedness and response. However we remain focused on achieving a world-class standard, reflective of the high standard we have set through our five conditions.

“As B.C.’s Environment Minister my priority is to protect both our coast and land-base from spills, and to make sure we have world-class regimes in place for both. This is why I recently announced new requirements for world-leading land-based spills.

“We are on the right path, but we also recognize there is still much more work to do towards achieving the sort of marine spill response capabilities we can be truly proud of. The Province of British Columbia will be part of the solution that ensures the best interests of British Columbians are met when it comes to public safety and protection of the environment.”