Question Period Note: Shoreline Infrastructure - Verchères

• My department is aware of the concerns brought forward by the property owners in the Verchères region along the St. Lawrence River.
• While protecting structures against shore erosion does not fall under the purview of my department’s mandate, the Government of Canada is supporting initiatives aimed at preventing shoreline erosion. The Government of Canada is working closely with the commercial shipping industry on the St. Lawrence River to monitor and promote voluntary speed-reductions for vessels operating in erosion-sensitive zones.
• The Attorney General of Canada was served with a notice of request to institute a class action on January 29, 2020. The Government of Canada is now analyzing this request and will take a position on it within the timeframe to be agreed upon by the parties involved.

• On January 14th 2020, Radio-Canada broadcasted a documentary titled “Erosion des berges a Verchères” focussed on the state of degradation of the shoreline infrastructures built by the federal government over time and until 1997. The journalist interviewed different shoreline property owners that have structures in advanced stages of deterioration on their property. The documentary concluded with a reference to a collective action being prepared by shoreline residents against the government.
• On January 15th 2020, La Presse published an article based on the
Radio-Canada documentary. The article explains that some residents along the St. Lawrence River have met with their federal representatives and subsequently formed a committee to advocate for the repair of deteriorating shoreline walls.
• Shoreline protection structures were built under a former Government of Canada program that aimed to protect the shoreline from erosion. The program was originally administered by Public Works, Transport Canada and finally Coast Guard, until it was abolished in 1997 under Program Review. It was determined that erosion was not a core safety mandate for the Canadian Coast Guard.
• There were approximately 2,700 structures built under the program with 2,450 structures built along the St. Lawrence River.
• The structures were built for the sole benefit of the land owners and property owners, who are responsible for the associated upkeep and ongoing maintenance.
• The Government of Canada has received numerous public inquiries and increasing media attention including formal petitions, requests for information from the Library of Parliament and written letters from politicians, municipalities and members of the public.
• The Government of Canada supports initiatives that prevent shoreline erosion. For example, the St. Lawrence Action Plan (SLAP), a joint initiative between the Governments of Canada and Quebec, monitors voluntary speed reduction measures in four erosion-sensitive zones between Sorel and Montréal. SLAP works with the commercial shipping industry to promote the voluntary speed reductions and monitors compliance through monthly reports created by Transport Canada.
• Shoreline erosion is not uniquely caused by passing ships. It is a complex phenomenon caused by many natural factors including ice, waves caused by wind, currents and tides.

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