Statement made on 17 June 2010 by Senator Jane Cordy
Hon. Jane Cordy:
Honourable senators, on April 28, I asked the Leader of the Government in the Senate about federal funding for the dredging of Sydney Harbour. The leader took the question as notice and said she would speak to Minister Ashfield on the issue. I appreciate her inquiries, but since I have not heard from the minister, I will raise the issue again today.
The dredging of Sydney Harbour is vital to the future of the Cape Breton economy. The deepening of the harbour is necessary to accommodate larger container ships. The project has been supported by all political parties in Nova Scotia as well as the Cape Breton Regional Municipality councillors. Cape Bretoners are wondering where the support is from the federal government.
The Province of Nova Scotia has committed $15.2 million to the project contingent on the federal government doing its part by committing funding as well. The dredging project is key to the master port plan created by Sydney Marine Group. This could mean 6,500 jobs for Cape Breton.
Could the leader tell us what Minister Ashfield said regarding the progress of the port project? When will the federal funding for this project be granted so that the dredging of Sydney Harbour can begin?
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