The Houston government continues to drag its heels on bringing the Coastal Protection Act into force, creating safety risks for Nova Scotians. A bill tabled today by Environment and Climate Change shadow minister Iain Rankin would ensure the Act is proclaimed with regulations on January 1, 2024.

 

Municipalities across the province are calling on the province to proclaim the Act immediately to stop the influx of development along the coastlines and ensure consistent rules are followed across the province, but the Houston government won’t budge.

 

“The Houston government cannot claim to be champions of the environment when they are stalling this important piece of legislation,” said Rankin. “This past year has shown us the importance of protecting our coastline and those around it more than ever before. It’s time to stop the partisan nature of climate policy and proclaim the Coastal Protection Act before the damage is too severe.”

 

The Coastal Protection Act passed in 2019 with all-party support. Consultations for regulations were completed in 2021, but the Houston government has delayed the law from coming into force until 2025.