Baynes Sound ship-breaking industry proximity to residences

Petition: 514

Issue(s): Compliance and enforcement; Federal-provincial relations; Human/environmental health; Toxic substances; Water

Petitioner(s): A Canadian resident

Petitioner location(s): Parksville, British Columbia

Date received: 24 June 2024

Status: Reply pending / Replies pending

Summary: The petition raises concerns about ship-breaking activities near Baynes Sound, British Columbia. The petition states that a company is dismantling derelict vessels on the beach at Union Bay, which is releasing toxic effluent into the marine environment. The petition indicates that the company was told by the provincial government to stop polluting or face a $300,000 fine.

The petition asks whether the federal government conducted on‑site inspections of the ship‑breaking activities to assess the health and safety issues affecting nearby shoreline residents. The petition additionally requests information on whether the federal government has evaluated the health risks to residents, with special concern to their young children.

Federal departments/organizations responsible for reply: Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Health Canada; Transport Canada