FORBES MEETS WITH MINISTERS OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN NOVA SCOTIA

Saskatchewan Environment Minister David Forbes met with his counterparts in the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, where they agreed to release for public consultation a Commitment Statement on Environmental Sustainability.

"Governments must maximize efficiency and effectiveness by recognizing each others' strengths through collaboration," Forbes said, following the meeting in Halifax, Nova Scotia. "Attaining the highest level of environmental quality will optimize the health and well-being of Saskatchewan people, conserve and protect Saskatchewan's natural environment and advance our long-term competitiveness. Through this Commitment, the public, First Nations, business and non-governmental organizations will benefit from a more open, accountable and transparent process leading to environmental sustainability."

The Statement represents a commitment to strengthen co-operation in achieving the goals of environmental sustainability. Saskatchewan has already been working in the three areas identified for action: science/technology and research; monitoring, data sharing and information management and regulatory streamlining. The intent is to develop consistent, national environmental outcomes that support a high level of environmental quality, improved health and quality of life and a strong economy.

Saskatchewan Environment in collaboration with other agencies and departments is proceeding with initiatives to increase environmental stewardship, reduce waste and expand research in land use and other key areas.

The Ministers approved a draft Canada-wide Standard for reducing mercury emissions from the coal-fired electric power generating sector. The standard will see provincial caps on mercury emissions from existing coal fired electric power generation plants by 2010 and an emission limit for new plants, based on best available control technology, effective immediately.

"As part of a greener and more prosperous economy, Saskatchewan Environment and SaskPower - through their partnership agreement - have been discussing options for implementing these standards and the utility has already taken action to reduce emissions," Forbes said. "Canada-wide Standards for mercury will aid in addressing public concern associated with toxic chemicals and their impacts on the environment."

A mercury control demonstration project currently underway at SaskPower's Poplar River Power Station is an international effort to evaluate technologies to address the issue of mercury emissions from the burning of lignite coal. The program illustrates the leading role Saskatchewan has taken to address this challenge.

NOTE: Minister Forbes will be available to return media calls from Nova Scotia between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. (Saskatchewan time) today.

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For More Information, Contact:

Traci Braaten Environment Regina Phone: (306) 787-1611 Cell: (306) 536-3852