Nova Scotians Benefit from Cleaner Environment, Greener Economy

Protecting the environment and growing the province's green economy to benefit families are the goals of legislation that will be introduced today, Nov. 19.

Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau will table amendments to the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act.

"Nova Scotians have clearly told us that they want their environment protected for future generations," said Mr. Belliveau. "As a fisherman who lived through the cod moratorium, I know the importance of balancing economic prosperity with environmental protection to ensure opportunities exist for future generations. That's what this bill is about."

"The future prosperity of this province depends on how we are able to manage both our environment and our economy," said Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Percy Paris. "The province will continue to look for opportunities that will create good jobs and grow the economy in all areas of Nova Scotia while protecting the environment."

One example is the province's continued investment in clean technology companies, announcing a $24-million clean technology fund in April 2011 to help companies access capital. The fund is administered through Innovacorp.

The changes are based on recommendations of the Minister's Round Table on Environment and Sustainable Prosperity, which carried out a review of the legislation last year.

"The primary message we heard during our provincewide consultation was that genuine, balanced integration of environment and economy is pivotal to our province's future," said Marty Janowitz, chair of the round table. "We are encouraged by the careful consideration and response by the government to our recommendations, and believe these changes will signal that this effort should accelerate across government and all business sectors."

Other amendments reflect the current status of goals and include all government departments in the effort to achieve goals and progress reports.

Nova Scotia has achieved 14 of the act's 21 original goals, and is working to meet the remaining targets. The legislation must be reviewed every five years by the roundtable, made up of members from industry, environment and government.

More information on the review and recommendations is available at www.gov.ns.ca/nse/dept/egspa.review.asp .