May 19, 2006

 Ottawa, ON. - Ladies and gentlemen, it’s a pleasure to be here to help launch Safe Boating Week in such a beautiful and fitting location.

We know just how important it is — whether we’re out for fun or exploration — to be safe while in our boats.

That’s why we’re here today. I’m proud that Transport Canada is partnering with the Canada Safe Boating Council again for the national launch of Safe Boating Week.

Over seven million Canadians head out on the waters each boating season.

This week is our chance to share information and make sure everyone knows the rules that can keep us and our kids safe.

The rules are simple:

• Make sure you always wear a lifejacket.
• More importantly, make sure your kids always wear a lifejacket.
• Don’t mix alcohol with boating.
• Take a boating safety course.
  

These rules are about saving people’s lives. And we all have a role to play.

But even though the rules seem simple, there are still people who don’t follow them.

Did you know that nine out of 10 drownings happen because people weren’t wearing a lifejacket?

That’s simply not acceptable.

That’s why Transport Canada, in partnership with the Canada Safe Boating Council, are determined to help Canadians be as safe as possible on the waters.

Working to enhance safety for families and communities is also an important part of the focus for this government over the coming weeks and months.

Specifically, this government has pledged to work toward the following key priorities:

• Cleaning up government, through the Accountability Act;
• Cutting taxes, beginning with the GST;
• Tackling crime;
• Giving parents a choice in child care; and
• Working with the provinces to shorten waiting times for health care.
  

These priorities are not just Conservative Party priorities.

They were chosen because we believe they’re the priorities of all Canadians.

Much of what this government is doing will have lasting long-term benefits as well.

Much of what this government is doing is about being more efficient and providing Canadians with better service.

This brings me to a good example of how the Government of Canada can change the system to better serve Canadians.

We have taken steps to make it easier than ever for boaters to get their pleasure craft license.

Until recently, Canadians could get their licenses at 120 locations across the country.

But, since May 1, 2006, licenses have been available through Service Canada with almost triple the number of service centres. 

Better yet, I would like to remind Canadians that there’s no cost to obtain a pleasure craft license.

However, it’s a requirement for all pleasure craft with a motor of 10 horsepower or more.

I appreciate the opportunity to speak to you today about safety issues, because they are important to me, as they are to most Canadians.

But I also want to take this opportunity to recognize the important work of volunteers who do so much to help educate the public about safe boating and remind boaters that they can play an active role to ensure everybody’s safety.

On behalf of the Government of Canada — on behalf of all Canadians — thank you.

This week simply couldn’t happen without your expertise and generosity with your time.

So enjoy the boating season.

And remember to boat safely!

Thank you.