New Democrats will take urgent action to protect Nova Scotia coastal communities

HALIFAX – On Friday morning, Nova Scotia NDP leader Claudia Chender announced her plan for coastal protection.

“New Democrats understand that climate change is real, that sea levels are rising, and Nova Scotians want to see our coves, beaches, trailheads, and coasts protected from the impacts of climate change we’re already seeing,” said NSNDP Leader Claudia Chender. “Instead of taking urgent action, Tim Houston broke his promise to Nova Scotians and abandoned the Coastal Protection Act. He’s downloaded the responsibility of protecting the coast to municipalities – that's not real leadership.”

The Coastal Protection Act received all-party support, but consecutive Liberal and Conservative governments have failed to make it law. Since then, developments have been built dangerously close to the water, or in places that cause damage to neighbouring coastlines, ecosystems, and properties.

“Tim Houston is letting a few wealthy, well-connected coastal property owners put our coastlines at risk. He’s more concerned about what his friends and donors want than he is about protecting coastal communities from the impacts of rising seas,” said Chender. “Nova Scotians are rightfully angry at the failure of the Houston government- and the Liberals before them to protect our beautiful coast. A New Democrat government would finally and immediately make the Coastal Protection Act law.”

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