Federal election to freeze Atlantic projects: MacKay
Election would delay financing of Lower Churchill project
Defence Minister Peter MacKay is warning a federal election will put key decisions on Atlantic Canadian megaprojects "on pause."
MacKay told a business audience in Halifax Wednesday morning that in particular a request for federal funding to assist with construction of a $159-million convention centre in Halifax won't take place if the government falls this week.
MacKay said a very strong case has been made to Ottawa to assist with $47 million for the convention centre.
Last week, the province said it was hoping for a decision prior to an election, and Nova Scotia's minister of transportation predicted a federal decision was imminent.
MacKay says the convention centre and other projects that are key to the region's economy are going to be affected by the timing of a federal election.
He says any commitment to assist with the financing of a subsea cable to carry electricity from Labrador's Lower Churchill Falls hydroelectricity project to Nova Scotia would also be further delayed.
THE CANADIAN PRESS