ABSTRACT
In 2016 the Canadian Government launched the Oceans Protection Plan, in its own words, a national strategy to create a world-leading marine safety system that provides economic opportunities for Canadians today, while protecting the coastlines for future generations. Canada has made the largest investment in its history with respect to the protection of said resources. Through the Oceans Protection Plan, the Canadian Government has designated $1.5 billion to protect Canada’s coasts and waterways, while also endeavouring to grow the economy. In a nation with a clear maritime vocation, that also has a real commitment to upholding gender equality in all sectors of Canadian society, the Ocean Protection Plan represents a great opportunity to empower women in the spirit of the Beijing Declaration: which states that women’s full participation in all spheres of society, including all aspects of the decision-making process and having real access to positions of power, is fundamental to the achievement of true gender equality, sustainable development and peace.
While taking into consideration the current paucity of women in the maritime workforce, this analysis is focused on measures to guarantee education and training for women, especially those in coastal communities, thereby ensuring their inclusion and equitable participation in the objectives proposed by the Oceans Protection Plan.