Nature Reserves Protection Act Introduced

An act that will update, clarify and improve legislation to protect the province's nature reserves was introduced today by Angus MacIsaac, acting Environment and Labour Minister.

"I'm bringing this act forward now, but the public still has a big role to play in reviewing it," Mr. MacIsaac said. "The department will be conducting a public review over the fall and winter to gather input."

The minister said he expects that after comments are gathered and reviewed the bill will be passed in the spring session of the legislature. The act will also officially transfer responsibility of protected areas from the Department of Natural Resources to the Department of Environment and Labour. Protected Areas staff from Natural Resources have already been transferred.

Other highlights of the bill include:

• a requirement that landowners consent before private lands are designated
• an assurance that once a designation is made it remains in place forever
• improved enforcement provisions and updated penalties
• allowance for a temporary stop order of 90 days to protect recognized significant natural areas under immediate threat.

Concerning Crown lands, the act would provide for public consultation in the planning and designation of Crown-owned nature reserves. It would clearly identify permitted and prohibited activities in nature reserves. It would also provide for limited compensation where rights are extinguished or if a temporary stop order is imposed.