Transport Canada introduced funding for Indigenous communities to purchase marine equipment and advance training opportunities in British Columbia. Funding of $2.3 million is available to improve vessel safety for 12 Indigenous communities through the Marine Safety Equipment and Training (MSET) Initiative. The Ucluelet First Nation, Uchucklesaht Tribe (Maa-nulth), Snuneymuxw First Nation, Ditidaht First Nation, Halalt First Nation, and Toquaht Nation (Maa-nulth) are among the communities receiving funding to purchase marine safety equipment and provide training to community members.
This funding will help ensure these Indigenous communities have the equipment to navigate through traditional waterways, enabling them to preserve and pass on important cultural knowledge to their community. Since the program’s launch, marine safety equipment has been purchased and installed on 246 vessels, and 359 community members have received marine training across 19 Indigenous communities. Eligible Indigenous communities can apply for MSET Initiative funding until December 31, 2025, or until all funds are fully allocated.
For further information about the Marine Safety Equipment and Training Initiative, click here.