A bill put forward by a New Brunswick senator related to the Chignecto Isthmus has cleared the upper chamber and will now head to the House of Commons for consideration.
The Isthmus is an area connecting New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. It is the only transportation corridor by rail and road and is vulnerable to climate change due to sea level rise and severe storms.
Senator Jim Quinn’s bill S-273 proposes to declare the Chignecto Isthmus Dykelands System for “the general advantage of Canada.” The bill doesn’t commit federal resources to the project, but does bring it under federal jurisdiction, which many believe will force additional budgetary commitments from the government. To date, the federal government has committed to covering about $300 million, or 50% of the cost to fortify the dyke system and protect it from storms and rising sea level in the Bay of Fundy.
CHMA listened in to the debate on the senate floor this week.
