NDP calls to end deep-seabed mining that could cause irreparable harm to the world's oceans

OTTAWA – On Tuesday, NDP MP Gord Johns (Courtenay – Alberni) sent a letter to the Prime Minister urging him to support a moratorium on international deep-sea mining, which could cause severe and irreversible harm to the world’s oceans.

“Canadians rely on our oceans for food, for our economy and livelihoods. So, we need to be doing everything possible to stop destroying our oceans and harming marine life,” said Johns. “But when it comes to deep seabed mining, even experts don’t have enough information on how severe the harm could be to our oceans. If the experts are unsure, the governments shouldn’t be able to allow our seabed’s to be mined. Until we know more, the Liberals should be supporting an international freeze."

In July, the International Seabed Authority (ISA), a governing body at the United Nations (UN), will meet to negotiate regulations for deep seabed mining and Canada plays an important role in the ISA, and in calling for a moratorium. This meeting was triggered by a Canadian company getting a huge deep-sea mining contract.

Just a few months ago, the Liberal government announced a freeze on deep seabed mining in Canadian waters, but fell short on calling for the same in international waters.

Justin Trudeau and the Liberals are refusing to follow the lead of other G20 counties and put a ban on all international seabed mining projects to stop the potentially catastrophic impacts. And for years before them, the Conservatives completely ignored deep seabed mining.

Last year, New Democrats introduced a motion calling on the Liberals to put a moratorium on all deep seabed mining.

“This biodiversity loss crisis is a global issue, and already G20 countries like France are taking bold action to fight deep seabed mining. Canadians expect the same from their government to be making a real effort to fight it not just making promises to protect 30 per cent of the oceans, then instead letting rich companies get contracts that would cause irreversible harm to make a profit,” added Johns. “And Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives – they don’t care about our oceans, they only care about what’s best for mining companies. New Democrats on the other hand are fighting for the future of our planet, and the people who depend on it to support their families. That’s why we’re calling for a ban on deep seabed mining – to protect our oceans and the communities that rely on them.”