The following is being distributed at the request of the Provincial Waste Management Advisory Committee:

Waste Management Advisory Committee concludes roundtable meetings

The Provincial Waste Management Advisory Committee has concluded a month long series of roundtable discussions on waste management. The four-person committee travelled throughout Newfoundland and Labrador seeking the views and opinions of key stakeholders, groups and individuals on the development of a comprehensive provincial waste management strategy. 

The committee is chaired by Derm Flynn, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities. Other members of the committee are: Catherine Barrett of St. John's, chair of the Green Depot Operators' Association, Jessie Bird, a former councillor and past-mayor of Cartwright, Labrador, and Priscilla Boutcher, deputy mayor of Corner Brook and chair of the Great Humber Joint Council.

"We had a great response to all 16 meetings held across the province," said Mr. Flynn. "A number of common themes emerged from the meetings, but the overall message is that the province must act now to address waste management issues. There seems to be a genuine and widespread interest in doing a better job of managing solid waste."

A variety of stakeholders, including municipal governments, local service districts, business and community leaders, concerned citizens and special interest groups participated in the discussions. Mr. Flynn said the committee was very pleased with the diverse range of participants and the positive and forward-thinking discussions that occurred. "We really appreciate so many people taking the time to think about this issue and to meet with us to share their views, opinions and suggestions. We also very much appreciate the media coverage given to the roundtables. The media are, and will continue to be, an important part in public awareness and the education process on waste management." 

The committee is now preparing a report for the Minister of Environment which will be a key element in developing a provincial waste management strategy. The report should be completed by September. 

Although the public meetings have concluded, interested stakeholders can still submit written comments to the committee. All submissions must be received by July 16, 2001 and should be addressed to:  

Waste Management Advisory Committee
4th Floor, West Block, Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700
St. John's, NF A1B 4J6

For additional information, please contact: Derm Flynn, (709) 679-2232

To obtain a copy of the discussion paper, "Protecting Our Environment for Tomorrow: A public consultation paper for a strategy for waste management," please contact the consultation coordinators: 

phone: (709) 729-1533 or toll-free 1-866-729-1533
fax (709) 729-6969
e-mail: wastemanagement@mail.gov.nf.ca
Web Site: www.gov.nl.ca

2001 07 10                                                               3:00 p.m.