Wilderness Areas Protection Act Passes

The Wilderness Areas Protection Act passed third reading today in the House of Assembly following 11th-hour negotiations on final amendments.

Environment Minister Don Downe said he is pleased to see the important intentions of this legislation entrenched in law.

"The protection of our untouched wilderness areas is above politics," said Mr. Downe. "I am simply delighted that our colleagues from all parties recognized the importance of this bill and supported it through final reading."

The Wilderness Areas Protection Act designates 31 wilderness areas that are representative examples of distinct natural landscapes and ecosystems in Nova Scotia. It allows for the protection of these lands with specific allowances for items such as ecosystem management, research and education, wilderness recreation and nature-tourism.

Colin Stewart of the World Wildlife Fund was at Province House today. "At long last," exclaimed Mr. Stewart. "I want to congratulate all three parties on achieving this milestone for the future of all Nova Scotians."

Said Raymond Plourde, director of the Nova Scotia Salmon Association: "We enthusiastically applaud the government, and in particular Minister Don Downe, for moving this important legislation forward to its conclusion. We are grateful to all three parties for their support of strong wilderness protection. Nova Scotians who have not yet been born have benefited by the important work done here today."

Indeed, the legacy of our work will be in the enjoyment of our wilderness areas generations from now," said Mr. Downe. "We can all be proud of the positive and co-operative discussions that have led to this achievement for all Nova Scotians."