Fisheries and Environment Minister Kevin J. MacAdam announced today that Prince Edward Island has signed the "Canada-Wide Accord on Environmental Harmonization" and three sub-agreements on inspections, standards, and environmental assessment.
The Canada-Wide Accord on Environmental Harmonization envisions governments working in partnership to achieve the highest level of environmental quality for all Canadians. "I'm pleased this agreement is moving forward. This accord has been in development since 1993, making the signing a significant achievement for the protection of the environment while stream lining government operations, and cutting red tape for the private sector," said Mr. MacAdam. Federal, provincial and territorial environment ministers are meeting in St. John's, Newfoundland this week to discuss a number of issues, including harmonization.
All jurisdictions support the content of the harmonization agreements in principle. The Province of Quebec however, will not be signing the agreement in St. John's, and will continue to negotiate until certain concerns are addressed.
Under the accord, each government will retain its existing authorities but will use them in a coordinated manner to achieve enhanced environmental results. Each government will undertake clearly defined responsibility for environmental performance and will report publicly on their results.
Approval comes after public consultation on all components of the harmonization accord and in particular, on environmental assessment and a list of potential issues to be developed into Canada-wide standards. To ensure results are achieved quickly ministers also approved a work plan to develop Canada-wide standards on particulate matter, ground level ozone, benzene, mercury, dioxins and furans, and on petroleum hydrocarbons in soil. Officials were also directed to develop further sub-agreements in the areas of enforcement, environmental monitoring and reporting, research and development, and environmental emergencies.
"With this accord, Islanders will have the reassurance that both levels of government are working together more effectively and efficiently to ensure a clean environment for them," said Minister MacAdam. He also noted that the accord will be reviewed in two years to ensure it is achieving its goals.