HALIFAX, NS - Cape Breton West MLA Alfie MacLeod says Premier Darrell Dexter's refusal to address the potential threat of the abandoned MV Miner off Scaterie Island could impact the health and safety of area residents and the environment.

Today in Question Period, MacLeod asked the Premier for an update on the removal of the ship.

"The Premier's integrity is disintegrating faster than the MV Miner," said MacLeod. "He committed to make sure the ship was removed but there has still been no plan presented. The Premier talks a big game but he's just pointing the finger at others to take care of the mess."

There have been reports of oil leaking from the abandoned ship. MacLeod says it should be removed quickly, in the safest way possible.

"In October, the Premier said his government was looking into removing the ship itself. But instead of being pro-active to protect the health and safety of people and sea life, Premier Dexter is now blaming the federal government for inaction," said MacLeod. "The best time to have removed the ship was when it first ran aground but that didn't happen. The NDP need to put a plan together and get on with the job."

MacLeod was part of an all-party delegation that traveled to Ottawa in November to make sure the federal government was up to date about the situation of the MV Miner.

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