Mr. Speaker, the Welland Canal is the lifeblood of the community in Niagara South. Connecting Lake Ontario to Lake Erie, the Welland Canal is a major economic driver for southern Ontario, creating thousands of jobs by enabling grain, steel, critical minerals and other aggregates to be transported across our Great Lakes.
Every year, my hometown of Port Colborne celebrates its marine heritage, rich history and the economic importance of the canal. Unfortunately, several of the wharves along the canal have fallen into disrepair, restricting economic growth and new development. Transport Canada earmarked $20 million for repair, but the project remains dormant, with no work having been completed in over two years. It is not enough for the government to simply make announcements and table press releases. Sooner or later, the shovel-ready work also needs to get done.
Conservatives will continue to hold Liberals to their commitments. My community is ready to build.