Ministers Take Green Economy Tour to Bridgewater

Making Nova Scotia a leader in environmental sustainability while generating economic growth is essential to the future prosperity of the province.

This is the message Environment Minister Mark Parent and Economic Development Minister Angus MacIsaac delivered to business and community leaders in Bridgewater today, Sept. 18.

"This summer's Green Economy Tour has been one of the highlights of my career as Minister of Environment," said Mr. Parent. "I've listened, learned, and am inspired by Nova Scotians who are working hard everyday toward environmental management and economic growth."

Mr. MacIsaac discussed the positive impacts that local businesses are having on the economy through environmental management and protection. He also made a $75,000 investment announcement for the Municipality of Chester's Kaizer Meadows Waste Management Facility. This will involve a feasibility study for its Eco-Park for re-manufacturing items from the waste stream.

"The businesses I've had the opportunity to visit this summer have shown incredible foresight in incorporating sustainable practices," said Mr. MacIsaac. "Their continued innovation will help position our province as a leader in the 'green' business."

This is the fourth joint stop on what has been a successful provincial tour, supported by regional development authorities.

Environmental management and protection is one of government's five immediate priorities. Nova Scotia's Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act sets out 21 far-reaching goals for the province including reduced air emissions and waste, and increased protection of land and water.

The act is a vital companion to the province's economic development strategy, Opportunities for Sustainable Prosperity. It will help the province achieve economic performance at or above the national average by the year 2020.

Reports detailing the province's progress towards meeting commitments in the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act and in Opportunities for Sustainable Prosperity were released in May, showcasing government's commitment to making Nova Scotia one of the greenest, healthiest, and most economically sustainable environments in the world by 2020.

More information on the act and its progress report are available on the Department of Environment's website at www.gov.ns.ca/nse . The second annual progress report for Opportunities for Sustainable Prosperity is available on the Department of Economic Development's website at www.gov.ns.ca/econ/ofsp .