Minister Osborne pleased with meeting with federal environment minister

Environment and Conservation Minister Tom Osborne said today he is extremely pleased with the outcome of a meeting held today with federal Environment Minister David Anderson in St. John's. Minister Osborne said they discussed several issues, including the illegal dumping of oil off our province's coastlines.

"One of the main issues that I raised with Minister Anderson is the seriousness of illegal bilge oil dumping in waters off Newfoundland and Labrador. I stressed to the minister that Canada has to be more proactive in this area," said Minister Osborne. "I am pleased to report that the federal minister agreed to pursue increased surveillance off our coastlines and to look at other areas that need to be addressed, such as stiffer fines for those who are convicted of illegally discharging bilge oil in our ocean."

Minister Osborne said that both ministers agreed to work cooperatively to address the issue of illegal oil dumping in our waters, which Minister Osborne said the provincial government takes very seriously.

"It is imperative that the federal agencies involved be more stringent in their surveillance and enforcement of pollution prevention at sea," said Minister Osborne, "I am confident that Minister Anderson will follow through on his commitment to step up efforts to address the issue of illegal bilge oil dumping at sea. We must all work together to ensure the protection of our marine environment."

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

2004 03 05                                       5:00 p.m.