Last week, we reported on a study commissioned by the Government of Canada that concluded that Canada should prohibit the use of exhaust gas cleaning systems in Canadian waters. This week, Transport Canada clarified Canada’s position during a meeting to review the outcomes of the recent IMO meeting of the Marine Environment Protection Committee. It stated that Canada’s current regulations respect the IMO’s 2015 Guidelines and that Canada will continue to support a review of these Guidelines by the IMO. Should there be changes because of the review, Canada will amend its regulations accordingly. Notwithstanding confirmation of Canada’s position, it remains unclear why Environment and Climate Change Canada would commission this study in the United States and endorse its recommendations without having coordinated directly with Transport Canada.
