The Act tabled in parliament in May would prohibit oil tankers from carrying crude and persistent oils as cargo from stopping, loading or unloading at ports or marine installations in northern British Colombia.
“Such a draconian step could lead to serious concerns being raised by Canada’s international trading partners,” said ICS director of policy and external relations, Simon Bennett.
ICS said the ban had not been developed through and evidence-based process and could form a precedent for similar legislation in countries such as the US.
“We would instead encourage Canada to continue its strong history of environmental protection and support for responsible global trade through the implementation of practical measures consistent with international best practice,” Bennett said.
The legislation will be reviewed by a Canadian parliamentary committee, beginning on 19 October.
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Seatrade, a trading name of Informa Markets (UK) Limited. Add Seatrade Maritime News to your Google News feed.