IN THE NEWS ~ Ottawa must set aside money to manage tsunami debris

Burnaby-New West MP

A British Columbia MP is calling on Ottawa to set aside money to manage debris from the Japanese tsunami expected to wash ashore on West Coast beaches.

New Democrat Peter Julian says Environment Minister Peter Kent has made it clear that no additional money will be allocated for debris cleanup.

Julian, the Burnaby-New Westminster MP, says government agencies are already facing spending cuts and handling potentially radioactive material from

the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami could pose a danger.

B.C. Environment Minister Terry Lake has said a very small percentage of debris is expected to wash up on the province's beaches but it could increase

as winter storms batter the coast.

Lake said B.C. and Ottawa have so far put aside about $100,000 for debris management and discussions about the issue, which include Japan, are

continuing.

The province has also signed an agreement with Washington state, Oregon and California to collaborate on managing the debris.

 

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