Government, municipalities and stakeholder organizations are very active in moving forward with regional waste management approaches for the province and are continuing with this momentum.

While waste management is primarily a municipal responsibility, government is committed to work with municipalities to achieve effective and efficient waste management practices, and is continuing to promote regional approaches to service delivery. Waste management initiatives are underway throughout the province and are at various stages.

These include the Central Newfoundland Waste Management Committee, chaired by Allan Scott, which is working on an approach for central Newfoundland and the Western Regional Solid Waste Management Committee, chaired by Cator Best, which is the working group pursuing a plan for the large western region.

The most advanced region is the greater Avalon area. On November 13, the Avalon Waste Management Community Consultative Committee submitted its report to government. The committee has recommended Dog Hill as the site for a new, modern waste management facility.

Government will take the appropriate time to study the report and its recommendations, and then make decisions on how we will proceed. In the meantime, I have already spoken with my colleague the Minister of Government Services and Lands about registering the recommended site.

I am also pleased to report that the Minister of Environment, along with our other Cabinet colleagues agree that it is necessary that a full environmental assessment process be completed before any construction takes place on the site.

While the environmental assessment process is taking place, it is important to keep the momentum going and ensure continuity as a permanent governance model is implemented. I have therefore appointed the existing Avalon Waste Management Community Consultative Committee as the interim Greater Avalon Waste Management Authority.

I would like to extend special thanks to independent chair, Lloyd Wicks, who served the committee well. Mr. Wicks has now accepted a new position as the child and youth advocate. I will be appointing an interim independent chair within the coming weeks.

Government recognizes that there cannot be a one size fits all approach to waste management, and is committed to continue working in partnership with municipalities and regional groups as they study and develop the best practices for their region.

2002 11 20                                        2:40 p.m.