Premier Pat Binns announced today that Executive Council has appointed the Honourable Armand DesRoches, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Prince Edward Island Trial Division, to chair the Premier’s Task Force on Nitrates.
“With his distinguished judicial career, Mr. DesRoches is exceptionally well suited to serve as task force chair,” said Premier Binns. “I am very pleased he has agreed to take on this important position and I thank him in advance for his service to the province and to Islanders.”
Mr. DesRoches was born and raised in Miscouche. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts from St. Dunstan’s University, Charlottetown, and his Bachelor of Laws from Dalhousie University, Halifax. He was admitted to the Bar of Prince Edward Island in 1967. During his years in practice, Mr. DesRoches held various positions in the Office of the Judge Advocate General in Ottawa, including that of Chief Military Judge. He was appointed to the Supreme Court of Prince Edward Island Trial Division in 1991 and was named Chief Justice of the Trial Division of the Supreme Court of Prince Edward Island in 2001. Mr. DesRoches retired from the Bench in September 2004.
Premier Binns said the focus of the task force will be to develop a strategy to reduce nitrate concentrations in groundwater and surface water.
“It is important that solutions involve government, landowners, industry and the public – working together, with a shared commitment to reducing nitrate levels in our water. Therefore, the task force will include representation from key sectors of our Island society including health, environment, agriculture, science, and the community at large,” the Premier said.
Government has assigned a secretariat to provide research and administrative support to the task force. Over the coming weeks, Mr. DesRoches will finalize the terms of reference and, in collaboration with the Premier, select task force members from the sectors above.
There has been a steady increase in nitrate concentrations in some Island streams over the last 20 to 30 years, and more recently, nitrate levels in private wells in some areas of the province have increased. Premier Binns noted there has been extensive research on this topic, including a report that was just released. It studied the processes involved in the transfer of nitrate from soil to groundwater and made predictions on future trends.
“Islanders have taken many positive steps to address this issue – including nutrient management planning, buffer zones, and improved wastewater treatment. But clearly, we must do more. We look forward to getting on with the job of finding solutions,” the Premier said.
The Task Force on Nitrates will report to the Premier who has made the commitment to table the report in the Legislature. Premier Binns said he has asked Mr. DesRoches, if possible, to have the task force report ready to be tabled during the fall sitting of the Legislative Assembly. However, the Premier added, it is important to take the time necessary to do a thorough job, so he has given the chair the flexibility to request an extension.