Agriculture and Forestry Minister Eric Hammill today announced the appointment of Dr. John Bukowski as the Chair of the Pesticides Advisory Committee. He also announced the reappointment of Stewart Affleck, Lower Bedeque, and the appointment of Elaine MacLennan, Stratcona, as a new member. The committee, made up of industry and government representatives, provides advice and recommendations to the minister on matters relating to pesticide use in the province.
Dr. Bukowski is Director of the Clinical Research Centre at the University of Prince Edward Island. He has been appointed to a three-year term. He succeeds Dr. Leith Thompson whose term has expired.
"Dr. Bukowski brings a great deal of knowledge and experience to the Committee, and I am pleased he has accepted this appointment," said Mr. Hammill. "I want as well to express my appreciation to Dr. Thompson for his contributions during a time of increasing concerns about pesticide use."
Mr. Hammill said the committee is currently conducting a review of the use of pesticides in the province over the past season. It will also be holding a public hearings in late January to receive briefs from interested individuals and organizations with respect to any matter concerning pesticide use in the province.
Those interested in presenting a brief may contact the Committee Secretary, Teresa Mellish, at the department.
"I very much look forward to receiving recommendations from the Committee on ways of promoting the safe and acceptable use of pesticides," said Mr. Hammill. "We need to develop solutions that meet the needs of the industry and the concerns of the public."