NLIS
6
September 28, 2005
(Environment and Conservation)


Environment ministers pledge their commitment to cooperation

Atlantic environment ministers have pledged to take a regional approach to addressing environmental issues where appropriate and to continue their cooperative efforts in areas of mutual concern. The ministers confirmed this commitment during a meeting of the Atlantic environment ministers in St. John�s on Friday, September 23.

Host Tom Osborne, Minister of Environment and Conservation from Newfoundland and Labrador, said a number of important issues were discussed at the meeting which the provinces will move forward on as partners, including a new approach to environmental sustainability and management, changes to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, and cooperating on new recycling initiatives and solid waste issues.

The ministers also agreed to a terms of reference for the establishment of the Atlantic Council of Ministers of Environment, which will formalize the Atlantic provinces� commitment to collaboration on key environmental issues. The establishment of the Atlantic Council of Ministers of Environment follows up on a commitment of the Council of the Atlantic Premiers during their June meeting.

�I am very pleased with the outcome of our meeting which has now formalized a new Atlantic Environment Ministers Council,� said Minister Osborne. �By working together and bringing issues to the federal government as a region we are a stronger voice, which can bring about positive results on environmental matters that are important to us.

�An example of this is the passing of Bill C-15 by the federal government, which addresses illegal dumping of bilge oil in our waters,� added the minister. �This issue is a serious one for this province and I strongly believe that having the support of all Atlantic Provinces and bringing our concerns to the federal government as a region indeed made a difference in ensuring the speedy passage of this important bill.�

"I'm pleased with the progress we've made to date," said Kerry Morash, Minister of Environment and Labour for Nova Scotia. "The creation of the Atlantic Council of Ministers of Environment is an important step forward, highlighting the importance of the work on common environmental issues that the Atlantic Ministers of the Environment have collaborated on in recent years. I am particularly pleased by the commitment to continue to work together on coordinated Atlantic approaches to solid waste-resource management."

"I am looking forward to cooperating regionally on multi-product recycling, Extended Producer Responsibility and litter abatement initiatives," said New Brunswick's acting Minister of the Environment and Local Government Dale Graham. "Atlantic ministers have agreed to hire a consultant to draft an Atlantic Solid-Waste Action Plan that would look at regional markets for recycled products and at establishing regional recycling facilities"

Jamie Ballam, Prince Edward Island�s Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry, said, "I look forward to working with my Atlantic counterparts on environmental issues that affect citizens in each of our provinces. Through greater regional cooperation - sharing experiences and taking a common approach when dealing with Ottawa, we can much more effectively advance the interests of all Atlantic Canadians.�

Media contact:
  Sonia Glover, Newfoundland and Labrador, (709) 729-2575
  Lisa Ferguson, New Brunswick, (506) 457-7206
  Bill Turpin, Nova Scotia, (902) 424-2575
  Sandra Lambe, Prince Edward Island, (902) 368-5286

2005 09 28                        10:30 a.m.
 


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