Minister Brison was in Sydney, Cape Breton on October 28, 2021 representing the Government of Canada at the signing of a protocol agreement with the Government of Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Mi'kmaq First Nation communities that will guide discussions on economic opportunities in the Sydney Tar Ponds and Coke Ovens cleanup.

"This agreement signifies our willingness to work in harmony with all levels of government to explore economic opportunities for First Nation communities on Cape Breton Island and elsewhere," said the Honourable Scott Brison. "Thanks to the leadership of Chief Terrance Paul and Bernd Christmas, we are confident this will be the first of many opportunities to facilitate economic development and build a better future for First Nations communities in Nova Scotia, and Canada."

"The signing of this Protocol agreement today represents the beginning of a new era of collaboration between the province, the federal government, and the Mi'kmaw people," said Chief Terrance Paul.

The Government of Canada is providing 70 per cent of the $400 million cost of the tar ponds cleanup project.