Minister committed to finding solutions for Conception Bay North

Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs assures the public that he is committed to working with the municipalities of Conception Bay North to find a solution to the waste disposal problems in the area.

"This government has been in office for about 100 days and this was one of the top priorities for me when I was first appointed Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs," said Minister Byrne. "I met with the Conception Bay North Mayor�s Committee as well as with certain mayors in the area individually very soon after I took office and committed to them that I would visit Conception Bay North to see for myself what they are dealing with. I did exactly that on December 15, 2003. At that time, I asked the affected municipalities to work together to present an interim feasible solution. I am eagerly waiting for that presentation.

"We are committed to helping Harbour Grace, Carbonear and surrounding municipalities on a capital basis but first we must see what their proposal is and whether it fits in the context of the Newfoundland and Labrador Waste Management Strategy."

Media contact: Vanessa Colman-Sadd, Communications, (709) 729-1983

2004 02 11                                        5:00 p.m.