In the news release, Minister Thompson announces Ocean Envoy and Chair of Our Ocean Conference, issued Sept. 16, 2026 by Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that changes have been made. The complete, corrected release follows, with additional details at the end:
Minister Thompson announces Ocean Envoy and Chair of Our Ocean Conference
OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 16, 2026 /CNW/ — With the world’s longest coastline spanning the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans, Canada understands both the urgency of protecting the ocean, and the opportunity to build a sustainable ocean economy. As host of the 12th Our Ocean Conference in 2027, Canada will bring together governments, Indigenous leaders, scientists, industry, non-governmental organizations and communities to turn ambition into concrete action for ocean protection and sustainable use.
The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, announced that Mme. Diana Fox Carney will serve as Canada’s Ocean Envoy and Chair of the 12th Our Ocean Conference. In this role, Mme. Fox Carney will advance Canada’s leadership by connecting ocean conservation, climate action, Indigenous leadership, economic resilience and maritime security. The conference will showcase Canada’s commitment to healthy oceans, strong coastal communities and Indigenous-led stewardship.
Diana Fox Carney is a British-Canadian economist with experience advising companies and investors navigating the transition to a more climate resilient economy. Widely recognized for her expertise in climate policy, Mme. Fox Carney has held leadership roles at prominent think tanks and her work has spanned across Africa, Europe, and North America, both in the private sector and in not-for-profit organizations.
The Government of Canada remains committed to working with domestic and international partners to advance ocean conservation, strengthen marine science and promote the sustainable use of ocean resources. Together, we can help ensure a healthy, productive, and resilient ocean for generations to come.
Quotes
“Canada has a strong, lasting relationship with oceans. The oceans define the culture and identity of our coastal communities and drive economic prosperity for our people. Canada’s independent owner-operators, harvesters, and coastal communities are not only economic drivers but also long-standing stewards of our oceans, helping to sustain marine ecosystems for future generations. As host of the 12th Our Ocean Conference, Canada has an opportunity to showcase its leadership in ocean conservation, sustainable fisheries, ocean science and Indigenous-led stewardship. I look forward to working with Diana Fox Carney on this important conference for Canada.”
The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries
“I am honoured to take on the role of Canada’s Ocean Envoy and to help convene the Our Ocean Conference in Halifax. I look forward to working closely with Minister Thompson and to engaging partners from Canada and around the world. The conference will provide an opportunity to deepen cooperation, share knowledge and experience, and secure commitments to ensure healthy and sustainable oceans for future generations.”
Mme. Diana Fox Carney, Canada’s Ocean Envoy and Chair of the 12th Our Ocean Conference
Quick Facts
- The position of Ocean Envoy and Chair of Our Ocean Conference is a volunteer and non-remunerated position.
- The Our Ocean Conference was launched in 2014 and focuses on voluntary, measurable commitments to protect the ocean.
- More than 3,200 commitments have been made globally, valued at approximately $243 billion CAD.
- The Our Ocean Conference is a leading international platform that focuses on six key areas for action: marine protected areas, marine pollution, climate change, the sustainable blue economy, maritime security and sustainable fisheries.
- It is a global platform for mobilizing and implementing ambitious and concrete commitments on ocean action, and is a critical step in the global effort to protect 30 per cent of the ocean by 2030.
- Mme. Fox Carney holds master’s degrees in Agricultural Economics from the University of Oxford and in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania. She has served on the boards of several not-for-profit organizations focused on the environment, development and the arts.
- Born in the UK in 1965, Mme. Fox Carney met her husband, Mark Carney, while they were both students at Oxford University. They married in 1994 and are the parents of four adult children. She currently resides in Ottawa.
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Correction: An earlier version of this release incorrectly misspelled the word non-remunerated.
SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada
