Government Improves Environmental Protection

Nova Scotians can expect to see better management and protection of the environment based on a plan released today, June 27, by Environment and Labour Minister Ron Russell.

The document "Towards a Sustainable Environment," focuses on collaborative approaches to environmental management, integration across provincial departments and improved delivery of environmental programs. It emphasizes that responsibility for the environment is shared by citizens, governments and business. The plan also outlines government's current success in delivering environmental programs and identifies several new initiatives that will be implemented over the next five years.

"This plan is an important first step in improving government's capacity to apply principles of sustainability to all of our initiatives," said Mr. Russell. "I'm especially pleased to note that government is committed to lead by example. In the past we've done this through initiatives like environmentally responsible procurement. In the future we will add the development of a government-wide policy to incorporate environmental considerations into our programs."

Some of the other new commitments in the plan include expanding air and water monitoring programs, adding five new nature reserves and two new wilderness areas to the protected areas network within the next year, and establishing a Forest Code of Practice.

The plan draws on research and consultation conducted by government in the past few years for a variety of environmental initiatives, including the Energy Strategy, Tobeatic Wilderness Area management planning and review of the Environment Act.

The plan was developed by an interdepartmental committee that included representatives from key departments that share responsibility for the environment and for delivering environmental programs. These departments include Environment and Labour, Agriculture and Fisheries, Economic Development, Energy, Natural Resources, Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, Transportation and Public Works, and Tourism and Culture.

To obtain a copy of the document go to the Environment and Labour Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/enla and click on What's New or call 1- 800-567-7544.