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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