June 12, 1998
(Executive Council)

Provincial government announces committee to review policies and issues related to the outdoors

Beaton Tulk, chairman of the Cabinet committee on rural revitalization, today announced the establishment of a committee of ministers to review policies and issues related to the outdoors.

"The committee will engage in active consultation with the public and key stakeholder groups, and work with them to address the issues that have been raised," said Minister Tulk. "Our primary goal is to build consensus on how we can properly preserve access to our outdoors for the people of this province and protect and conserve our resources."

The committee will undertake a comprehensive review of policies and issues related to the use of outdoor resources such as fish, wildlife and the environment. Issues pertaining to outdoor use include the use of ATVs for retrieval of game, access to rivers, parks privatization, river specific licences, concerns about construction of outfitters lodges, and salmon licences.

"The government believes, first and foremost, that our outdoor resources exist for the use and enjoyment of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians," said Minister Tulk. "We will preserve access to the outdoors for all our citizens. Contrary to opinions which have been expressed, we will not privatize the outdoors. Government will also honour its obligation to protect these resources through sound conservation and sustainable development practices, now and for future generations."

The consultation process will be carried out from August 1 to September 30. It will begin with the distribution of a discussion paper to key stakeholders and individuals wishing to present their views to the committee. This committee will meet with them to discuss their views.

The committee will be chaired by Minister Beaton Tulk and will consist of Forest Resources and Agrifood Minister Kevin Aylward, Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister Sandra Kelly, and Government Services and Lands Minister Ernest McLean.

Contact: John Downton, Executive Council, (709) 729-4781, Scott Reid, Communications, (709) 729-4570.

Statement issued by Beaton Tulk, Chairman, Cabinet Committee on Rural Revitalization

1998 06 12                             3:15 p.m.