Jamie Ballem, Chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Environment, released today the committee's first response to the Report of the Round Table on Resource Land Use and Stewardship. The Committee had been requested by Premier Binns to assume the lead role in examining the report which was released in August of this year.
In its deliberations, the Committee categorized the recommendations and identified those which it felt should be addressed in this initial report. This report addresses 42 of the 87 recommendations made by the Round Table.
"This report is indicative of the support from Government to implement the recommendations of the Round Table," said Mr. Ballem. " We have set out to do this in a logical and realistic format. We have chosen to deal with recommendations which are straightforward as well as some that are contentious."
The Committee is seeking direction from the Legislative Assembly on the 31 recommendations which are felt to be consistent with current government policy, most of which require no additional resources and most of which can be implemented immediately.
The Legislative Assembly is also being asked to consider a number of other recommendations, including proposed funding to continue providing training to farmers through the Environmental Farm Plans; the expedient completion of a Soil Erosion Risk Index; the development of a comprehensive soil and water conservation program; restriction on cultivation within the public right-of-way; certification and training for home and garden pesticide retailers and applications; and changes to the Forest Renewal Agreements. It will also be asked for its views on lending support to the initiative of the Federation of Agriculture to develop guidelines for farm practices legislation and codes of practice for agricultural operations.
With respect to establishing a Special Planning Area in the greater Kensington area, the Standing Committee wants the Legislature to consider referring the Round Table's recommendation to the Standing Committee on Community Affairs and Economic Development.
On the issue of buffer zones along waterways, the Standing Committee is putting forward a discussion paper which is intended to provide greater detail on what is being proposed in order that consultations may take place in a meaningful way. The Committee does not want any legislation or regulation passed on this matter until a through and adequate public debate has taken place.
The Standing Committee looks forward to consulting the general public on a number of issues over the coming months, the results of which will be reported when the Legislative Assembly reconvenes in the spring of 1998. "By putting these issues on the table, we are now prepared to undertake discussions with the public before proceeding further in certain areas," said Mr. Ballem.