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Decentralized Democracy

Senate Bill

Bill S-273

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
April 17, 2024
Chignecto Isthmus Dykeland System Act
  • This is a bill called the Chignecto Isthmus Dykeland System Act. It declares the Chignecto Isthmus Dykeland System and related works to be for the general advantage of Canada. The Chignecto Isthmus is an important trade corridor between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The bill aims to protect this corridor from the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels and severe weather events. The Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities is responsible for administering this act. The Minister of Public Works and Government Services can enter into agreements with individuals or organizations for the design, construction, and operation of the dykeland system. The Governor in Council can exempt certain individuals or organizations from obtaining permits or licenses for the construction of the dykeland system. The Minister can also make regulations to enforce this act.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • Steelman Argument in Favor of Bill S-273: One of the main arguments in favor of Bill S-273 is that it recognizes the importance of the Chignecto Isthmus Dykeland System and related works for the general advantage of Canada. The Chignecto Isthmus is a crucial interprovincial surface and rail trade corridor that physically unites the Canadian federation by linking the province of Nova Scotia with the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. This connection is of national importance as it facilitates trade and economic activity between these provinces. Furthermore, the Chignecto Isthmus is currently vulnerable to the effects of rising sea levels and increasingly intense severe weather events. Climate change poses a significant threat to this trade corridor, which could disrupt transportation and trade activities. By declaring the Chignecto Isthmus Dykeland System and related works to be for the general advantage of Canada, the government can prioritize the necessary measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the communities and farmlands located within the Chignecto Isthmus. The enactment of this bill also provides a legal framework for the construction, maintenance, and operation of the dyke system and related works. It establishes the role of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities in administering the act and ensures that the necessary agreements can be made with relevant parties, including individuals, corporations, partnerships, and joint ventures. This allows for efficient coordination and implementation of the necessary measures to protect and maintain the Chignecto Isthmus Dykeland System. Additionally, the bill grants the Governor in Council the authority to exempt individuals or entities from certain requirements under federal acts, if it is deemed to be in the public interest. This flexibility allows for expedited decision-making and streamlining of the construction process, ensuring that the necessary infrastructure can be built in a timely manner. Overall, Bill S-273 recognizes the importance of the Chignecto Isthmus Dykeland System and related works for the general advantage of Canada. By providing a legal framework, establishing the necessary roles and responsibilities, and allowing for flexibility in decision-making, this bill enables the protection and maintenance of this vital trade corridor, ensuring its continued contribution to the economic development and prosperity of Canada.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman Argument Opposing Bill S-273: While the Chignecto Isthmus Dykeland System and related works may be presented as being for the general advantage of Canada, there are several reasons to oppose this bill from a right-wing anti-government perspective. 1. Limited Government Intervention: Right-wing ideology emphasizes limited government intervention in the economy and individual lives. This bill represents an expansion of government involvement in infrastructure projects, which goes against the principles of limited government. It sets a precedent for the government to intervene in other infrastructure projects in the future, potentially leading to increased government control and bureaucracy. 2. Fiscal Responsibility: Right-wing ideology emphasizes fiscal responsibility and reducing government spending. The construction and maintenance of the Chignecto Isthmus Dykeland System will require significant financial resources, which will likely be funded through taxpayer dollars. This bill does not provide a clear plan for how the project will be funded and raises concerns about the potential burden on taxpayers. 3. Private Sector Solutions: Right-wing ideology promotes the belief that the private sector is more efficient and effective in providing solutions than the government. Instead of relying on government intervention, the private sector should be encouraged to invest in and develop infrastructure projects. This bill undermines the role of the private sector by giving the government control over the construction and operation of the dykeland system. 4. Provincial Autonomy: Right-wing ideology values provincial autonomy and limited federal government interference. This bill grants the federal government authority over the Chignecto Isthmus Dykeland System, potentially infringing on the jurisdiction of the provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. It is important to respect the autonomy of the provinces and allow them to make decisions regarding their own infrastructure projects. 5. Market Forces: Right-wing ideology emphasizes the importance of market forces in driving economic growth and development. By declaring the Chignecto Isthmus Dykeland System to be for the general advantage of Canada, this bill implies that the government knows better than the market in determining the allocation of resources. It undermines the role of market forces in determining the most efficient and effective use of resources. In conclusion, from a right-wing anti-government perspective, this bill represents an expansion of government intervention, undermines fiscal responsibility, limits the role of the private sector, infringes on provincial autonomy, and disregards the importance of market forces. These concerns should be taken into account when considering the potential impact of the Chignecto Isthmus Dykeland System and related
Senate Third Reading
  • April 17, 2024, 2 p.m.
  • In Progress
  • Read

Senate Debates

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
November 28, 2023

Senate Debates

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
November 07, 2023

Senate Debates

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
November 02, 2023

Senate Debates

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
October 03, 2023
Senate Second Reading
  • Sept. 19, 2023, 2 p.m.
  • Passed
Senate First Reading
  • Sept. 19, 2023, 2 p.m.
  • Passed

Senate Debates

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
September 19, 2023