Canada has the longest coastline in the world, and its blue economy represents a diversity of sectors and actors. Important sectors include commercial fisheries, subsistence and recreational fisheries, tourism, shipping and marine transportation, marine renewable energy, and aquaculture. Canada’s commercial freshwater and marine fisheries contributed approximately $3.7 billion to its economy in 2018, and provided approximately 70 000 jobs for fishermen, crew, and seafood packaging workers. Its key actors include Indigenous communities, fisheries and aquaculture industry employees, educators, non-profit organizations, scientists, businesses and corporations, recreational users and recreational organizations, and government agencies who have jurisdiction over the use of ocean resources and areas.

Canada’s history, geography, society, and federalism give rise to a number of unique attributes that influence the equitability of its blue economy activities. These contextual factors in Canada must be considered in all blue economy policy decisions. The country’s history of colonialism and genocide requires Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples to be at the forefront of blue economic planning and implementation. Canada’s vast marine geography necessitates working closely with local communities and provinces to ensure that all blue economy policies and interventions are context-sensitive. Because of the vastness of Canada’s coastlines and marine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as well as its globalized economy, Canada’s transboundary activities have the potential to exacerbate inequities at home and abroad.

This report appraises the state of equity in Canada’s blue economy and highlights opportunities to further incorporate social equity based on case studies and best practice across the country. It presents a detailed definition of social equity as it pertains to the blue economy. It then discusses ways in which certain equity-seeking communities within Canada might be left behind. In particular, we discuss Indigenous leadership and sovereignty, intergenerational equity, gender-based equity, equity for racialized and immigrant populations, and Canada’s role in promoting equity through international fisheries and marine trade.

Each section of the report offers recommendations on how Canada can ensure each of these equity-seeking groups are accounted for as we aim to conserve and sustainably manage our coastlines and marine resources. Throughout the report, we present standalone regional case studies from each of Canada’s coasts to highlight best practices of equitable blue economy activities across the country.