News Release
November 7.2006

Conservatives Back Fraser River Dredging

OTTAWA - Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam Member of Parliament James Moore today spoke on the importance of dredging on the Fraser River in the House of Commons.  "For years when I was in the opposition I pushed consistently for the Liberals to support dredging on the Fraser," says Moore who is the Parliamentary Secretary for the Pacific Gateway.  "We have taken action, and it is good for my constituents and all lower mainland residents."

Moore made the following statement in the House of Commons:

Mr. James Moore (Port Moody—Westwood-Port Coquitlam, CPC): British Columbians cherish the Fraser River, and it is a crucial element of our economic well being that must be protected through dredging. 

Dredging allows vessels transporting goods on the Fraser to travel safely along designated shipping channels.

The economic benefits of this trade is enormous.  

Even more important to British Columbians, particularly to my constituents in Port Coquitlam with homes along the Fraser, is what dredging means in terms of public safety and flood protection.  

Dredging eases the threat of flooding each spring when the snowpack melts, swells the Fraser River, and brings over 2 million cubic meters of sediment with it.  

In 1998, the federal Liberal government stopped all financial support for Fraser River dredging.

They were wrong to do so.  

I am proud to report that this Conservative Government is committing $4 million to dredging on the Fraser River.  

We are securing trading on the Fraser and providing flood protection while keeping homes and families safe. 

I am proud to be part of this Government - one that listens to and delivers real results for British Columbia.

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For more information, email moorej@parl.gc.ca or call 613.992.9650