Three organizations representing Acadians in Atlantic Canada have submitted a proposal to a Senate committee, urging the establishment of a national park in the Chignecto Isthmus. The proposal seeks to preserve the region’s cultural and environmental heritage, which holds significant importance for the Acadian community. The Acadian settlers initially constructed dikes in the marshy area nearly four centuries ago to support agriculture. The organizations believe the federal government has a responsibility to reinforce the existing infrastructure against the adverse effects of climate change, particularly the heightened risk of coastal flooding faced by communities in the Chignecto Isthmus. Moreover, the proposal aligns with the presence of multiple national historic sites in the area. Notably, both Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have requested Ottawa to fund the infrastructure project, which is estimated to cost approximately $650 million. However, the federal government has indicated it will only cover half of the expenses. The proposal was jointly submitted by the Société de l’Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick, the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse, and the Société Nationale de l’Acadie to the Senate’s standing committee on transport and communications.
Acadian Groups Propose Chignecto Isthmus National Park to Preserve Cultural Significance
