Round Table on Sustainable Prosperity

Nova Scotians and non-governmental organizations are being invited to join the province's Round Table on the Environment and Sustainable Prosperity.

The committee of 15 to 20 members will advise and consult on issues raised by the minister of Environment and Labour relating to environmental sustainability, public health and economic competitiveness.

It will also work with government on ways to meet the commitments of the province's Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act. The goals are aimed at making Nova Scotia one of the cleanest and most sustainable environments in the world by 2020.

"This call for round table members follows our very successful Power of Green Conference this week which looked at the same issues, keeping competitive while remaining sustainable," said Mark Parent, Minister of Environment and Labour.

The round table will include 12 invited representatives from environmental groups, industry, municipalities, the aboriginal community, business and resource industries. Remaining positions are open to individuals, representing a mix of expertise and professions.

"Addressing issues of economic and environmental sustainability requires co-operation between government, non-government groups, and other Nova Scotians, so I look forward to the round table's advice," said Mr. Parent.

The minister may consult with the round table at anytime and is required by the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act to do so when preparing his annual report to the House of Assembly.

The act commits the government to 21 goals, including:

• reducing greenhouse-gas emissions to at least 10 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020;
• adopting new emission standards for new vehicles by 2010;
• obtaining 18.5 per cent of the province's electricity from renewable resources by 2013;
• developing a comprehensive water-resource management strategy by 2010;
• legally protecting 12 per cent of Nova Scotia's land mass by 2015.

The round table is expected to hold its first meeting this fall.