Premier Pat Binns today outlined a process to deal with recommendations contained in the report of the Round Table on Resource Land Use and Stewardship.
"Government is very pleased with the work of the Round Table and the quality of the report they have produced, and we want to ensure the recommendations are addressed. We also view the implementation process as an educational opportunity in terms of some of the issues raised by the Report. It is clear to me that many Islanders want the same opportunity to be involved in the implementation process as they had in the work of the Round Table. For example, the release of the interim report was very beneficial."
The Select Standing Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Environment, chaired by Jamie Ballem, has been asked to evaluate the feasibility of implementing various recommendations and to report to the Legislative Assembly this fall. That report will form the basis for action.
Premier Binns says "All Members of the Legislature will be asked to take an active role in directing the implementation process. The Select Standing Committee is being asked to lead open discussion in the Assembly that will provide direction for the drafting of legislation, changes to regulations, and government policy. This is a significant change from the normal process and reflects the importance of successfully dealing with this report and what it means for the future of our province. I hope every MLA will participate in the discussion, free of Party restrictions."
Committee Chair, Jamie Ballem, says Committee Members received copies of the report when it was released and, given the diverse backgrounds of the committee membership, it should be a strong group to lead discussion in the Legislature. "There is a high degree of public interest in this process. People want to have input, and by following such an open process, I am confident the legislation and regulations that result will be well understood and supported. This is truly a bottom up rather than a top down approach."
Round Table Chair, Elmer MacDonald, expressed his satisfaction with Government's response. "We realized on the day the Report was released that the easy part was over. It is one thing for sixteen of us to draft the blueprint; it is quite another for Government to re-assign its priorities so that things get done. To see such a positive signal from Government at such an early date is very gratifying."
As a further support system in addressing the Report, Premier Binns explained that a subcommittee of the Senior Management Team of Deputy Ministers has been assigned to work with the Standing Committee. "Many of the recommendations have cross sector implications, and we want a fully co-ordinated approach to the implementation. This subcommittee, working with the Select Standing Committee will facilitate that process."
Premier Binns says that, given the direction of the Legislature, a number of recommendations could be acted upon quickly. Some are controversial, others are just good common sense. Some have broad implications, others do not. "What is important is the public understand the reasons behind any changes, and they have the opportunity to provide input because, in some cases, we are talking about matters that will have significant long-range impact."
Echoing a principal theme of the Round Table Report, Mr. MacDonald said, "We say the maintenance of soil quality is the number one issue on Prince Edward Island. There is certainly a role for industry to play, and I challenge my colleagues in the potato sector, in particular, to come forward with their own plan. We think there is support out there for codes of practise, and it is time to get on with the job of developing a comprehensive soil and water conservation program. Farmers are prepared to pay their share, but they need technical and financial assistance from the Federal and Provincial Governments."
Premier Binns says, "The goal is more sustainable land use practises on the Island, and the Round Table Report is another step in reaching that goal. The Standing Committee will take the lead in dealing with the Report, and the Legislative Assembly will be the forum in which recommendations will be debated, directions determined and the necessary instruments for implementation approved."