The NDP MP for Nanaimo-Ladysmith says the sinking of a 90 foot derelict boat in Ladysmith Harbour over the weekend is more proof the Liberal's boat-by-boat approach on abandoned vessels is failing communities.
Sheila Malcomson says Transport Canada was well aware of the perilous condition of the century-old wooden vessel, and even identified it as a "vessel of concern" back in 2014:
"And instead of doing what I keep pushing the federal government to do, is to get ahead of the problem and deal with these boats before they sink, this 90 foot long vessel went down this weekend and created an oil spill in Ladysmith harbour."
Malcomson thanked the Coast Guard for acting quickly to deploy an oil containment boom and begin cleanup efforts after the owner walked away. But the MP says what's needed is a robust system to deal with derelict vessels before they cause harm.
A bill she tabled -- Bill C-352 -- is aimed at doing just that. It will be debated in coming weeks.