NEW ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION MODEL FOR SASKATCHEWAN

Saskatchewan is adopting a new, results-based model for environmental regulation that will improve protection of the environment, while promoting innovative new tools in environmental management.

"Under a results-based environmental model, the regulations will describe the environmental protection that is to be achieved, but will leave the ‘how' to those who run the plants, factories and mines," Environment Minister Nancy Heppner said. "They will have the flexibility to design effective environmental safeguards that make sense for their operations. The government's job will be to ensure that they do what they promise to do."

Heppner said the result will be better environmental protection because the processes and tools will be custom-designed for the specific situation, as opposed to the current system in Saskatchewan, where the Ministry of Environment issues permits and approvals that specify the environmental protection measures and how they should be implemented.

In developing and implementing the new results-based regulatory model, the Ministry of Environment will move forward on a number of initiatives, including:

• Streamlining, consolidating and modernizing environmental legislation, starting with The Environmental Management and Protection Act, The Environmental Assessment Act and The Forest Resources Management Act;
• Developing a Saskatchewan Environmental Code that will set the framework for improved environmental management through clear statements of desired environmental outcomes and standards;
• Reorganizing the ministry to better deliver the requirements of results-based regulation;
• Providing an electronic platform for environmental information and program delivery, including web-based environmental applications and reporting. This will mean a streamlined application process and transparency in reporting results; and
• Continuing to engage the public, First Nations and Métis and stakeholders in consultation as the design and implementation of the new regulatory framework move forward.

"Over the past eight months, we have engaged industry, communities, non-governmental organizations and First Nations and Métis organizations in discussions about the need to update and streamline our approach," Heppner said. "We heard a clear endorsement from those we spoke with of the move to a results-based model, while always ensuring that the protection of the environment is our first priority."

During the fall and winter of 2008, Ministry of Environment staff and consultants held 18 meetings with 74 stakeholder organizations. A second round of consultations will begin early in May, with opportunities for public input.

The consultant's final report and the government's response are available on the Ministry of Environment's website at www.environment.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Michele McEachern
Environment
Regina, Phone: 306-787-0412