Fisheries and Environment Minister Kevin J. MacAdam has announced that the Department of Fisheries and Environment is to immediately start preparing a "Request for Proposals" document to select a private company to manage waste hauling and waste processing sites in the province. Minister MacAdam noted these changes are required "because of the lack of competition in the marketplace due to recent changes in the waste hauling industry, and concern over tax payers getting value for their waste management fees." The Minister also announced the province will be turning over waste management site operations to the private sector through the same competitive process. "Prince Edward Island is one of the few, if not the only, jurisdiction where the provincial government actively manages the solid waste industry. We will no longer run the business, but will naturally continue to fulfil government's role of legislating and enforcing laws in regard to the industry and to ensure protection of the environment."
The present waste management commissions will no longer operate with the same mandate or structure. The East Prince Waste Management Commission and the PEI Waste Management Commission will be amalgamated into one commission. The Commission and its employees will continue to operate until a contract to the private sector is awarded. It will continue with educational and site selection responsibilities but will not issue contracts for the purchase of containers or hauling of materials. Dennis Hopping, current chair of the East Prince Waste Management Commission, will be the chair of the amalgamated commission. "I am delighted that Mr. Hopping has agreed to play a leadership role in the transition phase and the ongoing regulation of the industry. His experience with the East Prince Waste Management Commission is a valuable asset," said Mr. MacAdam.
Minister MacAdam emphasized that regardless of the changes, the objective remains the same - the province-wide implementation of Waste Watch by the year 2000. "Implementation will differ in that we are going to the private sector for the delivery of waste management services rather than parts of it as in the past. Because of this change in structure, we have reached agreement in principle with the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission to ensure compliance by the company with the contract and to regulate price changes."
The implementation schedule for Waste Watch will be affected somewhat, and communities scheduled to move to Waste Watch in the next six months will be impacted. City of Charlottetown officials have requested a short delay until October 1998 to better deal with the displacement of Public Works staff and further education of residents.
Minister MacAdam noted that, "This change is being undertaken in response to concerns recently expressed by the Waste Haulers Association and my colleagues from the opposition benches in the provincial legislature. As well, we have received an expression of interest from the private sector to take on an increased role in waste management."
"While it is my hope that the Request for Proposals will be issued soon, it will not be rushed at the expense of price and quality. Good planning at the front end could save a lot of money in the long run," said Mr. MacAdam.
"Recently we've been getting a lot of inquiries from individuals and communities looking forward to the implementation of Waste Watch. These changes are positive steps toward this goal and I want to assure everyone that government is totally committed to ensuring all Islanders are on the Waste Watch system by the year 2000," said Minister MacAdam.