Environment minister to meet with Atlantic counterparts in St. John�s

Tom Osborne, Minister of Environment and Conservation, will meet with is Atlantic counterparts from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick in St. John�s on Friday, September 23.

Minister Osborne will be joined by Dale Graham, acting Minister of Environment and Local Government for New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia Minister of Environment and Labour Kerry Morash for a meeting to discuss a number of environmental issues of mutual interest and renew their commitment to working together to advance the region�s priorities.

�I look forward to welcoming my colleagues to Newfoundland and Labrador for discussions on environmental matters that are important to our provinces individually, and to the region as a whole,� said Minister Osborne. �This meeting will provide an opportunity to improve our understanding of the issues faced by each jurisdiction as we work diligently to protect our environment, as well as reaffirm our commitment to cooperation and using a common approach to issues of mutual concern.�

Agenda items for discussion at the meeting include a national municipal wastewater strategy, pesticides, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, and a commitment statement on environmental sustainability.

Minister Osborne noted that Prince Edward Island�s Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry, Jamie Ballam, is unable to travel to St. John�s due to a scheduling conflict, however Minister Ballam will be participating in the meeting via teleconference.

The meeting will take place in Salon E at the Delta Hotel. There will be media availability at 1:30 p.m. in the lobby outside Salon E.

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

2005 09 22                            10:00 a.m.