The federal NDP is calling new legislation introduced in the House of Commons by the Liberals a "nice indication" that the federal government is finally starting to take the issue of derelict boats seriously.
B-C New Democrat M-P Sheila Malcolmson says it seems pressure from communities and her party has had an effect.
"The NDP having raised the issue 80 times in the last 2 years in parliament, and coastal communities having been voting and lobbying and really pushing for a solution for probably 15 years. Today is the first time we've had the federal government bring some legislation forward. So it's a testament to to us all keeping the pressure on."
Malcolmson still has concerns about how far the Liberal's legislation would go. She says at first blush it appears the legislation is more aimed at bigger vessels, not pleasure craft, or the backlog of boats already abandoned.
"You know once we've gone through all the fine print in Minister Garneau's, if it still is clear that that backlog an pleasure craft aren't going to be covered then I'll be encouraging him to vote for my legislation. And the debate on it comes up just on December 5th."
Malcolmson says while there seem to be missing pieces in Garneau's bill, she believes if the Liberals are willing to work with the NDP the 2 parties can come up with effective legislation.