Minister of Environment Chester Gillan has announced changes in the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment to fulfill two commitments in the fall Speech from the Throne: transfer of the Pesticides Control Act and creation of a dedicated drinking water section.
Effective April 1, responsibility for the Pesticides Control Act will move from the Department of Agriculture and Forestry to Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment, which is mandated to carry out enforcement activities to protect the environment. Minister Gillan said a new Pesticide Control Section has been created, reporting directly to senior management within the department.
"I recognize that many Islanders have a concern about pesticide use, whether it's cosmetic, agricultural or commercial. We will be reviewing the act and regulations in detail and taking a close look at proposed changes. However, we also want to have an opportunity to consult with Islanders," the minister said. "So, while I don't anticipate that we will be making significant changes in the immediate future, this legislation is a high priority and we will be moving ahead with the review as quickly as possible."
Minister Gillan said the transfer of the Pesticides Control Act is part of Government's continuing efforts on numerous fronts to ensure a safe, healthy environment. Another initiative announced in the Speech from the Throne was the creation of a dedicated drinking water section.
What was formerly known as the Water Resources Division has been renamed the Water Management Division to more accurately reflect the mandate to protect, manage and enhance the province's water resources. The division has been realigned to create a Drinking Water Management Section, which underlines the importance of protecting our drinking water; and a Watershed Management Section, emphasizing the need to manage resources on a watershed basis. It also includes the provincial laboratories which carry out water analysis.
As a result of the change in Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment, a new Conservation and Management Division has also been created to serve both a conservation and regulatory function. It incorporates the Investigation and Enforcement Section of the department, as well as components of the former Fish and Wildlife Division.