Opposition MPs have spoken out in favour of a motion addressing abandoned and derelict vessels across Canada.
It was brought forward by South Shore – St. Margaret’s Liberal MP, Bernadette Jordan.
The NDP MP for Courtney – Alberni in British Columbia, Gord Johns, says it is a crisis situation.
“You won’t find a coastal community, a municipality that doesn’t have a derelict vessel in their community.”
Meanwhile, Conservative MP Robert Sopuck representing Dawson – Swan River – Neepawa in Manitoba, says there shouldn’t be any cost to taxpayers.
“The taxpayers must not be paying potentially hundreds of millions of dollars to clean up these messes. The federal government can assist as required but not bare the brunt of these costs.”
The NDP MP for Cowichan – Malahat – Langford in B.C., Alistair MacGregor, says the issue can bring out conflict between the province, municipalities, and port authorities.
“I have seen issues in my own riding where it’s just a bunch of finger pointing. We just go around in circles. That’s why taking action at the federal level, showing that true leadership is what’s so urgently needed.”
The Parliamentary Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Pam Goldsmith-Jones, says it’s everyone’s responsibility to protect the environment and waterways.
“When the owner or occupant of a derelict or abandoned vessel, barge or dock is unknown, or is impossible to find or entirely unaccountable then the responsibility falls to the federal government.”
The motion will be put to a vote in the House of Commons on Wednesday.
