Minister to discuss oil spills with federal Fisheries and Oceans Minister

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Environment and Labour, has sent a l etter to the federal Fisheries and Oceans Minister, Fred Mifflin expressing concerns over the prevention of oil spills from ships travelling on Canada's east coast. Recent reports of oil-coated, dead sea birds along the province's south coast has revived nation-wide concern about shipping activities.

Responsibility for marine environmental protection rests largely with the federal government. Mr. Aylward stated that he plans to meet with the federal minister at the earliest possible opportunity to discuss issues outlined in the letter. He said: "I wrote to the federal minister asking him to consider a number of suggestions. Specifically, I asked the federal minister to consider increased offshore surveillance and the establishment of substantial minimum fines in the range of $150,000 to $200,000." Fines resulting from some prosecutions have been in the range of $10,000 to $20,000 and do not appear to be a deterrent for offshore shipping companies who pollute the waters by bilge pumping.

The federal government is investigating to determine the source of the oil spill that killed thousands of sea birds a few weeks ago. In the meantime, Mr. Aylward says he will continue to advance the province's concerns regarding marine oil spills and pollution with the federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.

Contact: Sean Kelly, Director of Communications, (709) 729-2575.