Public Consultation on Environmental Initiatives

ENVIRONMENT AND LABOUR -Public Consultation on Environmental Initiatives

Nova Scotians are being asked for their views on how more than 60 environmental protection initiatives should be implemented.

The public consultation is the next step in achieving the objectives established in Toward a Sustainable Environment, a framework document released last summer.

"Known as The Green Plan, this document commits government to sustainable processes that will ensure the province remains a healthy place to live," said Environment and Labour Minister Kerry Morash.

The Green Plan establishes three broad principles on which the province's environmental management policies will be based. The principles state that environmental protection is essential to human health; that environmental management must balance environmental, social and economic concerns; and that environmental management is a shared responsibility involving all Nova Scotians.

The 60 initiatives flow from these principles. They include commitments to pollution prevention programs, creating a regulatory climate that encourages development of renewable energy industries and adopting environmentally responsible purchasing standards.

"We're taking a balanced, co-ordinated approach to maintaining a healthy environment," said Mr. Morash who urged Nova Scotians to submit comments. "The views of the public and stakeholders will help us be more effective as we implement our environmental protection goals and objectives."

Members of the public can submit comments through a website at www.gov.ns.ca/greenweb . Those who wish to submit their comments in writing should call 1-800-567-7544. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, March 31.