Chair of Western Waste Management Committee Appointed

The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs, today announced that Dr. Don Downer has been appointed Chair of the Western Waste Management Committee, effective immediately.

“Dr. Downer has a wealth of experience as a biologist, researcher and teacher and has a dedication to environmental management and conservation,” said Minister O’Brien. “I am confident Dr. Downer will provide strong leadership to those engaged in moving forward with the Provincial Solid Waste Management Strategy in western Newfoundland. I thank him for accepting this role and look forward to seeing the work of this committee continue.”

The Western Waste Management Committee was formed to evaluate an appropriate action plan for implementation of the Provincial Solid Waste Management Strategy for western Newfoundland and make recommendations to the Minister of Municipal Affairs. The committee represents the geographic area from Habour La Cou on the southwest coast to Bellburns on the Northern Peninsula and east past Highway 420 which includes Hampden and the Jackson’s Arm area.

A resident of Corner Brook, Dr. Downer has a PhD. in educational administration and curriculum from the University of Ottawa as well as a M.Sc. in Marine Biology from Memorial University. He has worked as a freshwater biologist, an educator and administrator at all levels of the school system and university. Dr. Downer has authored several books and has been involved with numerous community groups, boards and organizations.

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Media contact:
Ken Morrissey
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 685-6612
kenmorrissey@gov.nl.ca

2011 05 12                                                                             3:35 p.m.