September 6, 1996
(Environment and Labour)

Government Announces Water Export Policy

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Environment and Labour, announced today that a policy for the export of water has now been approved by Cabinet. The policy will be used as a mechanism for issuing Water Use Authorization or Licences to eligible applicants, subject to terms and conditions that ensure long term sustainability of the province's water resources.

Under the new policy, proposals will now be accepted by the Department of Environment and Labour for the exportation of water. While proposals to export water in containerized vessels will be accepted, the province has an express interest in projects that add value by having the water bottled here in the Province.

Under the new policy, all applications to export water will be subject to environmental assessment process. The minister said this measure ensures the protection of the province's water resources and maintains a consistent and thorough approach to all applications. "The province's environmental assessment is recognized across Canada as one of the best and most thorough in the country. We believe that in subjecting all applications to the EA process, we are focussing the analysis on a case by case basis and ensuring a thorough environmental impact analysis."

Water export also has significant potential to create economic development for the province. "This is a good opportunity to capitalize on a commodity that, with stringent controls in place to protect the province's resources, can yield vital economic activity and inject jobs and dollars into the province," the minister said.

Contact: Teddy Ryan, Director of Communications, (709) 729-2575.

BACKGROUNDER

• In June 1995, a proposal to export water from Gisborne Lake in Grand Le Pierre at the head of Fortune Bay, was registered with the Department of Environment and Labour. The environmental assessment resulted in the calling of an Environmental Impact Statement to be conducted on the proposal.
  
  
• As this was the first request of this nature, no water export policy existed which would guide and direct the authorization and licensing of applicants to sell and or export water. The department began to develop a policy which would encompass any and all such proposals for the future.
  
  
• The Department of Environment and Labour in conjunction with the Departments of Industry, Trade and Technology, and Justice began to develop a policy for Cabinet consideration.
  
  
• In September 1996, Cabinet approved the policy which is guided by the following:
  • To ensure long term sustainability of the province's water resources;
  • Minimize conflicts with existing and potential water uses;
  • Discourage any unauthorized use of existing water rights for water export or sale;
  • Minimize damage to ecosystems and the environment; and
  • Maintain Crown rights to amend or cancel the Water Use Authority if the water is required by the province for any higher priority purpose.