Sydney Tar Ponds Aboriginal Set-Aside Program

May 15, 2008

The Sydney Tar Ponds and Coke Ovens form one of the largest hazardous-waste sites in Canada. On May 12, 2004, the government announced up to $400 million in funding for the cleanup of the Sydney Tar Ponds and Coke Ovens. Nova Scotia will provide $120 million and the Government of Canada will contribute up to $280 million. The sites will be restored and landscaped in a manner consistent with their natural surroundings and future use. It is expected that the Coke Ovens will be cleaned up by 2011 and the tar ponds will be cleaned up by 2014.

The agreement between Canada and Nova Scotia specified First Nations participation in the project. As a majority investor, Canada initiated talks with Cape Breton First Nations through PWGSC and Nova Scotia. That led to an agreement between the governments of Canada, Nova Scotia and First Nations, ensuring First Nations involvement, increasing workers' skills and business for their companies. Ongoing discussions will lead to a tangible Aboriginal procurement strategy. Through this agreement, the Department has shown fiscal prudence and sound stewardship of taxpayers' money.