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NLIS 3 January 9, 2003 (Environment) Illegal dumping of oil at sea petition presented to provincial and federal governments This morning at Confederation Building, provincial Environment Minister Kevin Aylward, and federal MP John Efford were presented with a petition of approximately 3,000 signatures calling on the Government of Canada to enforce existing laws banning the illegal dumping of oil at sea. The petition further demands that the federal government commit the necessary human and financial resources to find and prosecute to the very limit of the law those responsible for this criminal activity in our waters. This petition was spearheaded by Ocean Net and ratified by delegates at its annual youth conference on the ocean environment (Youth and the Oceans) in 2000, 2001 and 2002. Minister Aylward stated: "I commend the youth of this province on their dedication toward saving our oceans and am here today to support this initiative and do what I can to assist Ocean Net in its efforts to ban illegal dumping of oil at sea. I believe there are several actions that the federal government can and should take immediately to increase protection of our coasts and coastal waters from oil pollution." John Efford, federal MP for Bonavista-Trinity-Conception, stated: "I would like to see fines increased substantially in an effort to deter any potential violators responsible for criminal activity in our waters." The petition will be presented during the next session of the House of Commons to the federal ministers responsible for enforcing the legislation against the illegal dumping of oil, toxins and garbage at sea. Media contact:
2003 01 09 11:10 a.m. |
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