Ottawa, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia strike deal on Chignecto funding

The federal government, along with the provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, have come to an agreement on a significant infrastructure project aimed at protecting the low-lying Chignecto Isthmus from the impacts of climate change. This project will involve reinforcing centuries-old dikes to reduce the risk of flooding in this vital land link between the two provinces.

A total of $650 million will be invested in this project over the next 10 years, with the goal of strengthening the existing infrastructure to safeguard against potential environmental disasters. Federal Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc emphasized the importance of taking action quickly to mitigate the risks associated with climate change, pointing out the catastrophic consequences of inaction.

The Chignecto Isthmus serves as the only path for national railway, highway, power, and communication lines that connect Nova Scotia to the rest of Canada. The significance of this link cannot be overstated, making it imperative to protect it from the threats posed by rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

While the provinces initially had concerns about the federal government’s proposed funding formula for the project, they ultimately agreed to move forward in order to avoid delays in the crucial work needed on the isthmus. Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston highlighted the importance of protecting the province’s main connection to the rest of Canada, especially in light of increasing trade between provinces.

The announcement of this agreement comes just days before an expected federal election call, signaling a united front among the provinces and the federal government on the issue of infrastructure investment. The project is seen as a critical step in implementing long-term climate mitigation solutions for the Chignecto Isthmus.

Despite the funding agreement, Nova Scotia plans to continue with a court case to determine whether Ottawa should be responsible for covering the costs of the project. This legal battle underscores the ongoing debate over the division of responsibilities between federal and provincial governments in infrastructure projects of this nature.

Overall, the agreement on the Chignecto Isthmus project represents a collaborative effort to address the challenges posed by climate change and protect vital infrastructure links between provinces. The investment in reinforcing the dikes demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding the region from the impacts of environmental degradation and ensuring the continued connectivity between Nova Scotia and the rest of Canada.