Statement made on 28 April 2010 by Senator Jane Cordy
Hon. Jane Cordy:
Honourable senators, the Atlantic Gateway is defined by the government as a modern, competitive and integrated air, rail, marine and road freight transportation network. Honourable senators, an integral part of the Atlantic Gateway is taking full advantage of the seaports in the Atlantic region.
The federal government announced in Budget 2007 an amount of $2.1 billion for new gateway and border crossing funds with $335 million earmarked for 2010-11. To date, no Atlantic Gateway project funding has been announced.
The Province of Nova Scotia, the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce have identified the dredging of Sydney Harbour as the number one priority for future economic growth in the industrial Cape Breton area. Steps have been made and a proposal for funding has been put forward to the minister. An environmental assessment was completed, the port authority has a competitive quote from a dredging company ready to do the work and a project timeline has been determined; yet the minister responsible for the Atlantic Gateway has been silent.
When will the federal funding for this project be given so that the dredging of Sydney Harbour can begin?
Please click here to read the full text of the Senator's question