NEWS RELEASE

Vancouver, BC. - The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, announced today at the Vancouver Aquarium that the Government of Canada will provide up to $20-million over three years to support the University of Victoria’s Ocean Networks Canada (ONC).

Also speaking to the announcement were Dr. John Nightingale, President and CEO of Vancouver Aquarium; Dr. David Castle, Vice President Research, University of Victoria; and Dr. Kate Moran, President and CEO of ONC.

"Smart Ocean™ is an innovative program to harness science and research for the benefit of Canadians. It leverages the unique capabilities of Ocean Networks Canada’s world-leading cabled ocean observatories to inform public and marine safety and environmental monitoring. Made possible through funding from Transport Canada, Western Economic Diversification and IBM Canada, Smart Ocean™ is the next phase in the Ocean Networks Canada system that will position Canada as a global leader in ocean technology that delivers science and information for good ocean management and responsible ocean use,” stated Dr. Moran.