March 10, 1999
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Minister pleased with federal government's decision to stop the
 feasibility study to establish national marine conservation area

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, says he is pleased that the federal government has decided to take the advice of the people of Bonavista/Notre Dame Bays area and cease the feasibility study of establishing a national marine conservation area (NMCA).

"Earlier today, I expressed my wishes to the Honourable Andrew Mitchell, Secretary of State for Parks with the Department of Canadian Heritage that the federal government adopt the wishes of the advisory committee to cease any further work on the establishment of a national marine conservation area because the residents of the area are not supportive of the initiative," says Furey. "I am very pleased that they have decided to do so."

On February 28, 1997, the federal and provincial governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding which recognized the need for both jurisdictions to work cooperatively in assessing the feasibility of establishing a national marine conservation area. It was decided at that time that an advisory committee consisting of residents of the area guide the decision making process on this matter.

On March 8, 1999, the advisory committee, after considering the matter for nearly two years, recommended that all work towards the establishment of a national marine conservation area should stop since the people of the area are not supportive of the initiative.

Media contact: Tara Laing, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

1999 03 10 4:40 p.m.