Environment minister signs Canada-Wide Standard for Dioxins and Furans

Environment Minister Tom Osborne today signed the new Canada-Wide Standard for Dioxins and Furans from Conical Waste Incinerators, making Newfoundland and Labrador the first province in Canada to officially sign the new national standard.

Other jurisdictions agreed to this standard at a meeting of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) which took place in Victoria, B.C., November 24-25, 2003.

While signing by other jurisdictions across Canada is expected to be completed within the coming weeks, Newfoundland and Labrador is the first province to formally commit to the new national environmental standard which calls for the phase out of teepee incinerators by 2008 and prohibits such facilities to be built in the future.

"The signing of the Canada-Wide Standard demonstrates our commitment to moving forward in our progressive waste management efforts," said Minister Osborne. "I commend the staff in my department who played an active role in developing the standards and putting them on the national agenda."

There are approximately 45 teepee incinerators in the province that account for 27 per cent of all dioxins and furans emitted to the atmosphere.

Minister Osborne added: "We are dedicated to protecting our environment through the close-out of teepee incinerators and will continue to work diligently to ensure a cleaner, safer environment for our communities, our children and our grandchildren."

Photo #1:  Minister Tom Osborne signs Canada-Wide Standard for Dioxins and Furans.

Media contact: Sonia B. Glover, Communications, (709) 729-2575

2004 01 15                                        12:10 p.m.