NDP inaction could have resulted in disaster for local residents

SYDNEY, NS – Cape Breton West MLA Alfie MacLeod says he is pleased that after four months of advocating for the removal of the MV Miner, the efforts have finally paid off.

Reports earlier this week indicate Arvina Navigation has authorized two salvage companies to work with the federal and provincial governments to finally get rid of the abandoned ship. MacLeod says Premier Darrell Dexter should have been more proactive on the issue instead of adopting a wait-and-see approach.

“Early on, the Premier talked about making sure the ship was removed but he spent most of the time pointing the finger at others instead of working collaboratively,” said MacLeod. “Now that Arvina Navigation has decided to take action, I hope that the NDP will cooperate so when decisions are made about the ship’s removal, they are made with the best interests of the residents of Main-a-Dieu and surrounding area in mind.”

MacLeod has actively advocated for the removal of the MV Miner before irreparable damage was caused. MacLeod toured the site with local salvage experts in October 2011 and met with the provincial Natural Resources Minister to offer specific suggestions on how best to salvage the ship. He also took part in a delegation to Ottawa in November 2011 and held Premier Dexter accountable for his inaction on the file in the Legislature.

“For months, I’ve been calling for all parties to work together and come up with a solution that protects the health and safety of local residents and the environment,” said MacLeod. “The news that the ship will be removed has been a long time coming and I’m pleased to see that the company has stepped up and taken charge.”

-30-