Environment Ministers Pledge Commitment to Co-operation

Atlantic environment ministers have pledged to take a regional approach to addressing environmental issues where appropriate, and to continue their co-operative efforts in areas of mutual concern. The ministers confirmed this commitment during a meeting in St. John's, N.L., on Friday, Sept. 23.

Host Tom Osborne, Minister of Environment and Conservation from Newfoundland and Labrador, said the provinces will move forward as partners on a number of important issues discussed at the meeting, including a new approach to environmental sustainability and management, changes to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, and co-operating on new recycling initiatives and solid waste issues.

The ministers also agreed to terms of reference for the establishment of the Atlantic Council of Ministers of Environment, which will formalize the Atlantic provinces' commitment to collaboration on key environmental issues. The establishment of the Atlantic Council of Ministers of Environment follows up on a commitment of the Council of the Atlantic Premiers during their June meeting.

"I'm pleased with the progress we've made to date," Kerry Morash, Minister of Environment and Labour for Nova Scotia, said today, Sept. 28.

"The creation of the Atlantic Council of Ministers of Environment is an important step forward, highlighting the importance of the work on common environmental issues that the Atlantic ministers of the environment have collaborated on in recent years. I am particularly pleased by the commitment to continue to work together on co-ordinated Atlantic approaches to solid waste resource management."

"I am very pleased with the outcome of our meeting, which has now formalized a new Atlantic Environment Ministers Council," said Mr. Osborne. "By working together and bringing issues to the federal government as a region we are a stronger voice, which can bring about positive results on environmental matters that are important to us.

"An example of this is the passing of Bill C-15 by the federal government, which addresses illegal dumping of bilge oil in our waters," he said. "This issue is a serious one for this province and I strongly believe that having the support of all Atlantic provinces, and bringing our concerns to the federal government as a region, indeed made a difference in ensuring the speedy passage of this important bill."

"I am looking forward to co-operating regionally on multi-product recycling, extended producer responsibility and litter abatement initiatives," said New Brunswick's acting Minister of the Environment and Local Government Dale Graham. "Atlantic ministers have agreed to hire a consultant to draft an Atlantic Solid Waste Action Plan that would look at regional markets for recycled products and at establishing regional recycling facilities."

Jamie Ballam, Prince Edward Island's Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry said: "I look forward to working with my Atlantic counterparts on environmental issues that affect citizens in each of our provinces. Through greater regional co-operation, sharing experiences and taking a common approach when dealing with Ottawa, we can much more effectively advance the interests of all Atlantic Canadians."