Tabling of Annual Report for Multi-Materials Stewardship Board

I rise today to inform honourable members of changes to the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB). The MMSB was formed in 1996 to manage various waste management programs on behalf of government. Currently, they are managing the following waste management programs:

• Beverage Container Program
• Used Tire Program
• Household Hazardous Waste Program
• Waste Management Trust Fund
• Education and support for the recently announced Used Oil Recycling Program

The MMSB will also call for an Expression of Interest for paper and cardboard recycling in the province.

As members are aware, in April of 2002 government announced a Provincial Waste Management Strategy. We are currently reviewing what enhanced role MMSB can play its implementation. The strategy will require the cooperation of many agencies, one of the key ones being the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities (NLFM). In recognition of this key role, provisions have been made to have the president of NLFM sit on the Board of Directors of MMSB. This will be very important as further waste management initiatives are developed.

In addition, we are reducing the number of government representatives on the MMSB from three to one. Government will now be represented on the board by the deputy minister of the Department of Environment.

I would like to acknowledge the good work of representatives of the departments of Municipal and Provincial Affairs and Industry, Trade and Rural Development on the board and thank them for their input over the years. The reduction of the number of government representatives will now make it more representative of the public-at-large.

I am also announcing the appointment of Ms. Leslie Grattan as chief operating officer of MMSB. Ms. Grattan will work with the Board of Directors to review and assess the board�s future mandate, and role as government implements its provincial waste management strategy.

I am confident that with Ms. Grattan�s recent experience developing the Provincial Waste Management Strategy, and assisting with the Avalon Waste Management Plan she has the necessary expertise to complete this important assignment.

I look forward to working with MMSB as we enter into a new era of waste management in this province.

Today, I also wish to table the Annual Report of the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board for the period ending March 31, 2002.

2002 12 17                                         2:00 p.m.