chignecto isthmus

When will construction on the Chignecto Isthmus begin?

An agreement was struck last year for climate change improvements to the trade route between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Cumberland North independent MLA Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin says the Houston government talked about a ten-year timeline in 2021, and work still hasn’t begun.

During Question Period Tuesday, she asked Public Works minister Fred Tilley for a clear completion date, and says we can’t afford any more delays.

“The storms are coming, high tides are coming, and it will cost a lot more to try and do the repair work after the damage is done,” said Smith-McCrossin.

Tilley says they recognize the importance of the Isthmus, as $94 billion in goods cross it each year.

But it’s not known what will be uncovered when work starts.

“To put a firm date on a project that could potentially change, it’s not prudent to do that, because we don’t know what we’re going to face,” said Tilley.

He pointed to a recent example of the Avon River Aboiteau, which got the federal green light last week, six years after the initial application.

Tilley says they’re continuing work with New Brunswick and Ottawa on planning and collecting data, and they will get it done.

Nova Scotia has $1 million in the budget this year for the project.