GOVERNMENT OF SASKATCHEWAN ENHANCES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Environment Minister Nancy Heppner today introduced a new act and amendments to two others that will significantly boost environmental protection in Saskatchewan, while also encouraging responsible economic development in the province.

The new Environmental Management and Protection Act, 2009, along with amendments to The Environmental Assessment Act and The Forest Resources Management Act set the stage for the adoption of a results-based environmental regulatory framework for Saskatchewan.

"Throughout our consultations, we heard that environmental regulation in Saskatchewan needs to better reflect best practices in protection of the environment and keep up with the pace of economic development," Heppner said. "Results-based environmental regulation will allow us to do both by focusing on the use of effective, custom-designed environmental safeguards, rather than one-size-fits-all approaches."

"We would like to compliment the government for this initiative with respect to environmental assessment and look forward to a process that increases the efficiency of environmental regulatory review of new development in the province," Saskatchewan Regional Vice President of the Nature Conservancy of Canada Dennis Sherratt said. "This step should allow for more resources to be deployed toward cumulative effects monitoring and environmental protection, as well as an opportunity for partnerships that ultimately will enhance environmental protection."

"The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce and other stakeholders have been working with the Ministry of Environment for a number of years, to develop an improved environmental management system for the province," Chair of the Chamber's Expert Committee on the Environment Bob Schutzman said. "I'm very pleased to see that we can bring these changes to the legislation forward now. The Chamber strongly supports these improvements and we are excited to continue to work with the Ministry of Environment and others in developing and implementing this improved system."

The legislative amendments include establishing the authority to create a Saskatchewan Environmental Code, which is comparable to the National Building Code, in that it will provide guidance to regulated persons on the design of environmental systems and facilities, with chapters that describe the acceptable results and standards for particular activities associated with development.

"We have engaged industry, communities, non-governmental organizations and First Nations and Métis organizations in discussions over the past 16 months," Heppner said. "The overall commitment to a results-based model is high and we will continue to seek feedback and advice from them as we move forward."

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For more information, contact:

Jennifer Redston
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5796