Workshops Focus on Climate Change Strategy

Turning Change Into Opportunity is the title of a workbook that will be the focus of stakeholder discussions about Nova Scotia's climate change strategy.

Six workshops will be held across the province between Nov. 8 and Nov. 29 to obtain the views of individual businesses, industry and professional associations, non-government organizations, municipalities and academics.

"Participants should be prepared to discuss the principles for a climate change strategy and actions Nova Scotia should consider for reducing greenhouse gas emissions," said Natural Resources Minister Ernest Fage. "Discussions will centre on where climate change efforts should focus in regards to key economic sectors outlined in the workbook."

The Department of Natural Resources is part of an interdepartmental committee that is co-ordinating the development of a climate change strategy for Nova Scotia. Voluntary Planning is conducting the consultations on behalf of the committee and will prepare a report in early 2000. The climate change strategy will be developed using the advice of stakeholders obtained through this consultation process.

"Climate change is a serious environmental and economic issue," Mr. Fage said. "The strategy should be formed based on consultation by a broad cross-section of Nova Scotians."

Workshops will be held in Amherst on Nov. 8; Bridgewater on Nov. 10; Antigonish on Nov. 15; Sydney on Nov. 18; Yarmouth on Nov. 22; and Dartmouth on Nov. 29. Participants must register by contacting Rita Fraser at Voluntary Planning; telephone 902-424-8644 or e-mail: fraserri@gov.ns.ca .

The workbook is available on the Internet at http://www.gov.ns.ca/natr/climate/ or from Ms. Fraser at the above phone number or e-mail address.