NOTE TO EDITORS:

Environment and Conservation Minister Tom Osborne will appear before the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development on Bill C-15 � An Act to Amend the Migratory Birds Convention Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act in Ottawa tomorrow (November 30).

"This bill is very significant for the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Osborne. "It will help ensure better protection of our marine environment and address illegal oil bilge dumping off our coastlines, which is an issue this government takes very seriously."

The minister will appear before the standing committee at 9 a.m. (Ottawa time).

Media contact: Sonia B. Glover, Communications, (709) 729-2575 or 685-6612

2004 11 29 4:50 p.m.