by A bill the province says will help port development in Sydney passed third reading in the legislature today with the support of some opposition members.
Bill 85 amends the Municipal Government Act to allow the Regional Municipality to sell or lease land below market value and provide tax concessions to businesses.
Critics say the bill will give the municipality an unfair advantage but Municipal Affairs Minister Derek Mombourquette says the bill is meant to apply to the port and any other use will need to be reviewed.
The Liberal majority was fully in support of the bill, as were the New Democrats.
There was a divide in the Tory Caucus, where most voted against the bill, but Cape Breton MLA’s Alfie MacLeod, Eddie Orrell and Keith Bain supported it, along with Argyle-Barrington MLA Chris d’Entremont.