Environment and Conservation
Transportation and Works
Fisheries and Aquaculture
Justice
Municipal Affairs
April 19, 2011
Standing Strong: Protecting Our Resources; Promoting Resource Development
Funding totalling $49.1 million allocated through Budget 2011 recognizes the Provincial Government’s commitment to support responsible resource management and development with strategic investments in the province’s energy, mining, forestry, fishery, aquaculture and environmental sectors.
Budget 2011 provides $13.4 million to continue implementation of key initiatives outlined in the Energy Plan, including specific projects related to offshore and onshore petroleum geoscience, development of an energy innovation roadmap, and energy efficiency and conservation programs, including the EnerGuide program. The plan provides a comprehensive, long-term vision for the development of energy resources to maximize benefits for Newfoundland and Labrador.
In addition to the development of Muskrat Falls, the natural resources sector holds great promise. The construction of the commercial hydromet facility at Long Harbour, expansion at IOC and other large-scale resource projects on the horizon support a bright and prosperous future for rural Newfoundland and Labrador and for the people of the province.
Promoting the Development of Our Energy and Mining Resources
“Newfoundland and Labrador is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, which contribute significantly to the growth of our economy,” said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. “As we look towards the future, our resources will continue to play a critical role in securing our province’s long-term success. Investments within each of these industries are crucial to help ensure the development of a truly diversified and robust economy for the benefit of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
To encourage mineral exploration, $2.9 million is being invested in the Mineral Incentive Program which includes the prospector grants and junior exploration assistance programs. An investment of $1.2 million will help ensure long-term industry sustainability for the mining industry, by supporting geoscience mapping to help maintain an adequate geoscience database to encourage mineral exploration and attract investment.
Budget 2011 will invest $510,000 to assess and remediate tailings dams associated with four orphaned or abandoned mines in Newfoundland and Labrador. The mine sites include the former Consolidated Rambler copper mine near Baie Verte; the former Daniel’s Harbour zinc mine near Daniel’s Harbour; the former Whalesback copper mine near Springdale; and the former Gullbridge copper mine near South Brook.
Promoting Our Forestry Resources
Budget 2011 builds upon the Provincial Government’s commitment to the forestry, agriculture and agrifoods industries, promoting diversity, and strengthening the rural economy.
As identified in today’s announcement on investments supporting research and innovation, Budget 2011 will provide $4.2 million to support system improvements in the province's larger integrated sawmills. Additional Budget 2011 initiatives in support of forestry and agrifoods include:
- $1.2 million to strengthen the province’s research capacity and foster innovation in forest research;
- $250,000 to implement Our Farms, Our Food, Our Future – Agriculture and Agrifoods Strategy; and,
- $500,000 to purchase new equipment for the province’s animal health laboratory in recognition of the importance of food security and food safety.
Addressing Climate Change
The Provincial Government is committed to providing leadership in climate change and energy efficiency. As previously announced on April 15, Budget 2011 will invest $4 million to support climate change initiatives including energy efficiency improvements to public buildings, improvements to flood risk mapping and the province’s coastline erosion monitoring, and the development of a public awareness campaign.
Protecting Our Fishing and Aquaculture Industries through Sound Environmental Stewardship
Budget 2011 reflects a commitment to be responsible stewards of the fishery and aquaculture industries for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.
“Continued attention to the improvement of biosecurity has been a key component of the management of the dramatic growth of our province’s aquaculture industry,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “Environmental stewardship of our oceans as we move into new and expanding industries is critical to ensuring the sustainability of our natural resources over the longterm. Our government is committed to this in our fishing and aquaculture industries, and other marine sectors.”
Budget 2011 initiatives for the fishery and aquaculture sector include:
- Extension of the Coastal and Oceans Management Program for three years with an investment of $300,000 in Budget 2011 and a total three-year allocation of $909,000. The funding will be a key component of the development of the Oceans Management Strategy and Policy Framework which will ensure the safe and effective management of our ocean resources by all user groups into the future;
- A three-year investment of $714,600 with $344,000 invested through Budget 2011 for the development of a bay management approach to improving biosecurity in the province’s aquaculture industry;
- $300,000 to continue waste water treatment initiatives on the Connaigre Peninsula;
- $100,000 for the clean up of abandoned aquaculture sites, and $150,000 for the demolition and site restoration of abandoned fisheries infrastructure in the interest of continuing to protect our coastal and onshore environments; and,
- $2.1 million through the Department of Justice to enhance the Inland Fish Enforcement Program including expansion into Labrador. The Labrador expansion will include $1.3 million to fund additional officers to protect the valuable salmon, trout and Arctic char stocks found in Labrador.
In support of responsible environmental stewardship in Newfoundland and Labrador, Budget 2011 will provide funding to support a number of strategic investments which include:
- $14 million to build on the success of the Provincial Solid Waste Management Strategy in support of modern, responsible waste disposal and diversion. The strategy was implemented through the Department of Municipal Affairs to reduce the production of leachates and methane emissions from dumpsites, along with dioxins and furans derived from low-temperature burning by creating modern, lined landfills and improved waste diversion and recycling.
- And through the Department of Environment and Conservation:
- $6.3 million has been allocated to support ongoing remediation efforts at the former military site in Hopedale, with funding of $2.2 million in Budget 2011, and an allocation of $2.1 million and $2 million in each of the next two years, respectively;
- $1 million for implementation of a three-year Labrador Caribou Management Initiative, with a total three-year commitment of $1.9 million; and,
- $442,400 for the operation and maintenance of the data collection network operated under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Water Quantity (Hydrometric) Agreement, and participation in the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Water Quality Agreement. These initiatives are funded jointly by the provincial and federal governments, as well as industry.
"Resource management, conservation and a long-term plan to protect our resources are vital in securing and sustaining the natural heritage of our province," said the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Environment and Conservation. "Budget 2011 clearly articulates our commitment to the preservation of our natural resources and the role we must play in dealing with such factors as climate change."
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| Heather Maclean Director of Communications Department of Natural Resources 709-729-5282, 697-4137 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca |
Melony O’Neill Director of Communications Department of Environment and Conservation 709-729-2575, 689-0928 moneill@gov.nl.ca |
| Roger Scaplen Director of Communications Department of Transportation and Works 709-729-3015, 697-5267 rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca |
Lori Lee Oates Director of Communications Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 709-729-3733, 690-8403 oatesll@gov.nl.ca |
| Vanessa Colman-Sadd Director of Communications Department of Justice 709-729-6985, 699-6524 vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca |
Ken Morrissey Director of Communications Department of Municipal Affairs 709-729-1983, 685-6612 kenmorrissey@gov.nl.ca |
2011 04 19 2:30 p.m.