Premier holds firm on stance regarding Chignecto Isthmus upgrades
Posted Oct 4, 2024 07:45:32 AM.
Last Updated Oct 4, 2024 07:54:51 AM.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says he still believes upgrades to protect the Chignecto Isthmus are a federal responsibility.
A strip of land connecting Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, the Chignecto Isthmus is at risk of flooding due to climate change but the provincial and federal governments are at odds about the $650 million bill to repair the outdated dikes in the region.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Houston says he has met with federal officials and reaffirmed his stance that Ottawa should foot 100 per cent of the bill to support upgrades on the land link.
“It is a nationally significant trade corridor,” said Houston. “It is literally our connection to the rest of the country so it is my position that they should pay 100 per cent and I have reiterated that position.”
In August, federal cabinet ministers threatened to pull an offer of $325 million to protect a vital land link unless the two provinces agree to share costs.
Houston said on Thursday he hasn’t seen any official offer from Ottawa as of yet.
