News release

Nova Scotians are Environmental Champions

Environment and Labour (Oct. 2000 - March 2008)

Nova Scotia has made considerable progress preserving and improving the environment. Ron Russell, Minister of Environment and Labour, brought this message to the legislature today, April 22, in recognition of Earth Day.

"We have diverted thousands of tonnes of waste for recycling, we have created thousands of jobs, we have strengthened the economy in the process, and protected the health of Nova Scotians through an excellent drinking water strategy," said Mr. Russell. "We are committed to the environment."

The minister highlighted many of Nova Scotia's environmental accomplishments and successes, which include:

  • Nova Scotia is recognized as a world leader in recycling because it diverted 50 per cent of solid waste from landfills in the year 2000. There are only 18 landfills left in the province, and further improvements to them will be made by the end of 2005, providing even more protection to Nova Scotia's water resources.

  • The province has hosted delegations from Hong Kong, South Korea, China, Japan, Ireland, Iceland, Carribean, Trinidad and Tobago, India and many other countries who were impressed by our efforts and envious of our successful environmental programs.

  • All municipalities in the province provide 100 per cent curbside recycling and 75 per cent provide curbside composting.

  • Open burning of solid waste is no longer allowed in Nova Scotia.

  • More than 3,000 jobs in this province are related to solid waste-resource management. More than 1,000 of those jobs were created as a result of the Solid Waste-Resource Management Strategy.

  • The province is protecting the health of Nova Scotians through an excellent drinking water strategy.

  • Nova Scotia has successful partnerships with newspaper organizations, the Atlantic Dairy Council, and the Nova Scotia Pharmacy Association. Thanks to these partnerships, these organizations take responsibility for the waste they create.

"I commend Nova Scotians on their world-renowned environmental leadership," said Mr. Russell. "Our efforts, our accomplishments, and our successes are evident. We will continue our commitment to a clear focus on the environment in this province."