Waste Management Advisory Committee presents report to Environment Minister

The Waste Management Advisory Committee today presented its final report on the public consultations on waste management to Environment Minister Ralph Wiseman.

The committee was chaired by Derm Flynn, president, Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities and mayor of Appleton. Mr Flynn was joined by Catherine Barrett of St. John�s, president, Green Depot Operators� Association and executive director, Ever Green Recycling, Jessie Bird, a former councillor and past-mayor of Cartwright, Labrador, and Priscilla Boutcher, mayor of Corner Brook and northwest director with the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities.

Appointed in May 2001 by Minister Wiseman, the advisory committee conducted roundtable discussions across Newfoundland and Labrador in June. The purpose was to seek the views of key stakeholders, groups and individuals on development of a waste management strategy. A Call to Action on Environmental Protection provides an overview of the information received during the public consultations and outlines recommendations for government on how to proceed with progressive waste management.

"I thank Derm Flynn, Catherine Barrett, Jessie Bird, and Priscilla Boutcher for serving on the committee and bringing their expertise and experience to the waste management public consultations. I look forward to reviewing their report and learning about the opinions, views and concerns of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians on the development of a provincial waste management strategy."

Mr. Flynn said the committee was very pleased with the public consultation process, and the recommendations and suggestions put forth by participants. "There was a tremendous response at all meetings, with representation from a diverse range of stakeholders and interested groups. The discussions were very positive and forward-thinking, and it became evident to us that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians want government to act now to address waste management," he said. "On behalf of the committee, I am very pleased to present �A Call to Action On Environmental Protection� to Minster Wiseman, and I look forward to the completion of a final strategy in the coming months."

"Developing a provincial waste management strategy was identified as a priority action for government in the Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth and the Department of Environment was mandated to do this in the Speech from the Throne last March. A progressive strategy is vital if we are to ensure the health and well-being of our communities and the protection of our environment," said Minister Wiseman. "I have committed to developing a strategy that will address our province�s waste management problems by the end of this year, and this report is a key element in achieving that goal."

Copies of the report, A Call to Action On Environmental Protection, are available by visiting www.gov.nl.ca/publicat and the Department of Environment�s web site at www.gov.nl.ca/env/whats_new.asp or by contacting the department at (709) 729-1533.

Download the Document
Report of the Waste Management Advisory Committee - (PDF)

Media contact: Diane Keough, Communications, (709) 729-2575.

2001 10 31                                 3:15 p.m.