I rise this afternoon to inform members that last night I, along with the Minister of Industry Trade and Rural Development, the Minister of Human Resources and Employment and the Minister of Government Services and Lands, attended the 10th anniversary celebration of the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association and the first Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Awards.

I would like to congratulate the winners of the following awards announced last night:

• Capacity Building in the Newfoundland and Labrador Environment Sector � 
  Newfound Disposal Systems of St. John�s
  
• Environmental Performance in Newfoundland and Labrador
  Industry � Corner Brook Pulp and Paper
  Community � Evergreen Recycling (Waterford Foundation)
  
• Outstanding Individual Contribution to the Environmental Industry in Newfoundland and Labrador
  - Bevin LeDrew - Principal partner in Sikumit Environmental Management Management Ltd.
  - Paul Antle, owner and CEO of Island Waste Management.

I want to take this opportunity to thank NEIA for its cooperation and partnering to assist our province in dealing with waste management issues and providing expertise and advise in developing environmental policy and legislation.

Newfoundland and Labrador's environmental industry has grown steadily during the past 10 years. Today, there are more than 200 companies operating in the environmental sector, employing more than 2,000 people. The sector brings an estimated $120 million in economic value to the province annually.

Our environmental industry is diverse and dynamic today and, according to industry sources, is expected to grow at a rate of eight per cent annually for the next 10 years. The work of the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association will continue to play an extremely important role in the implementation of the province�s Waste Management Strategy and providing partnerships in environmental initiatives in our province.

Government recognizes that the environmental sector is an emerging force in Newfoundland and Labrador's economy and that a strong industry association is a key ingredient to achieving the full potential of the sector.

Once again, congratulations to the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association on its 10th anniversary and the significant accomplishments it has achieved to date. And congratulations to the award recipients.

2002 11 28                                       2:20 p.m.