Question Period Note: Chignecto Isthmus

What is the federal government doing to protect the Chignecto Isthmus?

• The Government of Canada continues to work with New Brunswick and Nova Scotia on options to bolster the resiliency of the Chignecto Isthmus so it can withstand more frequent severe weather events.

• The Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund supports initiatives to protect Canadians and natural resources, such as the Chignecto Isthmus, from the devastating impacts of climate change.

• The Government of Canada continues to support the building of resilient infrastructure that can withstand the effects of a changing climate. We understand the importance of the Chignecto Isthmus to both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, as the only road and rail connection between the two provinces.

• The Chignecto Isthmus serves as a transportation link, providing the only road and rail connection between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

• On July 19, 2023, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick submitted a joint Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) application for the project. The proposed project is for sections of existing dykes to be raised and new dykes built. The estimated eligible project cost is $650 million. Under the current DMAF program parameters, the federal contribution for a provincial recipient is limited to a maximum contribution of 50% of eligible project costs, which would be $325 million.

• On July 19, 2023, Nova Scotia filed a reference question with the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal seeking the Court’s opinion on whether “the infrastructure which protects the interprovincial transportation, trade, and communication links across the Chignecto Isthmus [is] within the exclusive Legislative Authority of the Parliament of Canada”.

• On September 15, 2023, the Attorney General of Canada filed its motion in the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal to intervene in the Chignecto reference question. New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island also filed motions. On September 21, 2023, Canada, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island were granted intervener status by the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal.

• The Nova Scotia Court of Appeal has held case management meetings since November 2023. Court proceedings are in the gathering stages, and on July 5, 2024, Nova Scotia filed records with the Court of Appeal as per the court’s prescribed timeline. The next court milestone is September 13, 2024 when Nova Scotia and the other provinces will file additional documents.

• On September 19, 2023, Senate Bill (S-273) entitled An Act to declare the Chignecto Isthmus Dykeland System and related works to be for the general advantage of Canada was tabled in the Senate.

• On June 11, 2024 the bill was passed by the Senate. It is now awaiting first reading in the House of Commons (anticipated in the fall 2024).

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