New  Legislation Banning Bulk Water Removal from the province

Oliver Langdon, Minister of Environment and Labour
Thursday, November 18, 1999

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I stand before my colleagues to announce that Government is bringing in legislation effectively prohibiting bulk water removal from Newfoundland and Labrador.

The legislation will impose a permanent ban on bulk water removal from this province and effectively stops the Gisborne Lake and any other bulk water removal project from proceeding in this province.

Mr. Speaker, the federal government has asked all provinces and territories to support a permanent ban on bulk water removal. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador agreed to this request and we will now meet our commitment to the federal government with this new legislation.

We are taking this step now because it appears that a national consensus is emerging in opposition to bulk water removal. This consensus is widely supported in this province as demonstrated in the recent public debate.

Mr. Speaker, Government recognizes the need to consider an appropriate royalty regime for bottled water and the importance of consulting with all affected industries prior to introducing such measures. To carry this out, a Ministerial Committee will be formed to review the appropriateness of applying royalties to bottled water. In addition, the committee will be tasked with considering the need for royalties for other water uses. This committee will report back to government within 90 days.

Mr. Speaker, until such time as there has been a full review of this issue, Government will not be imposing royalties on affected industries. However, the Bill does contain provisions which enable royalties to be established by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council through regulation.

Let me state here today, Mr. Speaker, the very firm position of this government with respect to our freshwater resources. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will continue to manage our water resources in a sustainable manner and will ensure that this resource is developed to the maximum benefit of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Thank you Mr. Speaker.