Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, has issued the following statement regarding sewage treatment plans in the Capital Regional District (CRD):

“The Province of B.C. has agreed to help facilitate a path forward with the CRD to ensure sewage treatment occurs within the federal and provincial timelines. It is important that a solution is found; and the process moves along. We are willing to help by providing advice and expertise.

“It’s important right off the top to say that this is a local issue. We are interested for the sake of taxpayers to find a cost-effective, timely way forward. The Province respects local government jurisdiction, and would not take lightly any decision to impinge upon that.

“The CRD is obligated to deliver on its requirements for sewage treatment. I am encouraged that elected officials within the CRD appear to have a renewed sense of purpose in meeting those requirements.”