News release

Atlantic Environment Ministers Discuss Climate Change, Regional Issues

Environment (April 2008 - Feb. 2021)

Environment Ministers from Atlantic Canada met in Wolfville to forge a united effort on environmental issues.

Nova Scotia Environment Minister Mark Parent, was joined by George Webster, Prince Edward Island's Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry; Charlene Johnson, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister Environment and Conservation; and Rachel Bard, deputy minister of Environment for New Brunswick to discuss climate change, solid waste management, renewable energy and a host of other environmental issues facing Atlantic Canada at the two-day conference that finished today, June 6.

"The effects of climate change and the impact of sea-level rise in Atlantic Canada are impacting us all," said Mr. Parent. "We will be working together, through the proposed Atlantic Climate Change Adaptation Strategy to develop a co-ordinated approach."

The ministers also discussed the recent announcements by the federal government about air pollutants and greenhouse-gas emission reductions.

The Atlantic provinces have a greater percentage of total emissions from large industry compared to other provinces. The proposed federal regulatory framework could place a burden on the Atlantic Canadian economy.

It was noted that renewable energy production might be helped by an enhanced Atlantic transmission grid. The ministers agreed that payments into a proposed technology fund to offset greenhouse-gas emissions be applied to projects in those jurisdictions.

The ministers received an update on efforts to further harmonize provincial solid-waste legislation in Atlantic Canadian.

There was support for an Atlantic Region Environmental Enforcement Committee that could enhance and harmonize activities by sharing information, equipment and resources.

Ministers also committed to adopt the Municipal Wastewater Effluent Strategy and will work with the federal government to accommodate the unique nature of Atlantic communities.

The next meeting of the Council of Atlantic Environment Ministers will be held in New Brunswick in August.