Elizabeth May: Question Period – Derelict Vessels

Elizabeth May: Mr. Speaker, with all this chatter about Davos, I wonder if everyone has forgotten that the previous Prime Minister used that foreign and lofty perch to cut the retirement benefits of Canadians. It may have had something to do with his earlier retirement.

However, my question is to the Minister of Fisheries.

Right now there is an abandoned derelict vessel of great concern locally. I think that Canadians across this country are concerned about derelict vessels. The Kathryn Spirit was abandoned by its Mexican owners and no one is making sure that the toxic material within does not leak into Lac Saint-Louis.

Could the Minister of Fisheries give us an update please.

The Honourable Minister Hunter Tootoo: Mr. Speaker, I think one of the main priorities and mandates of the Canadian Coast Guard is to protect our marine environment.

I want to take this opportunity to assure the member, all members of this House, and the public that the Kathryn Spirit is not discharging any pollutants. In fact, the Quebec ministry of environment has confirmed that there is no risk of contamination.

We will continue to work with our partners to mitigate any risks that fall within our jurisdiction.