March 12, 1996
(Works, Services and Transportation)

Works, Services and Transportation Minister comments on anti-littering legislation

John Efford, Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, would like to advise the general public that government is taking the anti- litter message very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that new legislation now makes littering a ticketable offence.

Mr. Efford said: "I commend the Minister of Environment, Kevin Aylward, for introducing stricter anti-littering laws that make the act of littering punishable by a fine or imprisonment. The garbage along our highways is a major concern and we are no longer going to accept the filthy habits of people. If they want to carelessly discard of waste, then they will have to pay the price."

People are warned that a first offence will bring a fine of $25 or two days in jail and a second or subsequent offence brings a fine of $100 or seven days in jail.

Mr. Efford said: "The anti-littering message is continuously being promoted, however, there is still a segment of the population whose attitude will not change until you target their wallets. Let there be no doubt, we will take full advantage of the law in order to deter people from defacing this province's pristine environment."

The minister pointed out that this initiative will fully complement both the "Newfoundland and Labrador: It's Yours Keep It Clean" educational campaign and the "Adopt-a-Highway" program.

Mr. Efford said: "Our main objective is to clean-up the province and keep it clean. Anyone who wishes to `trash' this goal had better look out because we mean business."

Contact: Ian Chaytor, Director of Public Relations, (709) 729- 1968.