Nova Scotia’s Water Resources Management Strategy
Nova Scotia Environment and Labour (NSEL) is taking the lead in developing a comprehensive provincial water resources management strategy. On March 30th, 2007 the Minister of Environment and Labour announced that NSEL is embarking on a 3-year process to develop the water strategy.
Why do we need a water management strategy? Our water is linked to human health, ecosystem integrity and our sustainable prosperity. A water strategy will help government make decisions about our water by answering key questions such as: How will our water be used? What is its quality? How much do we have? How should we continue to protect it? Nova Scotians expect their government to take a planned approach to water resources management.
Managing Nova Scotia’s water resources requires participation from all levels of government, business and the public. Opportunities for public involvement are critical to gain insight and direction from Nova Scotians throughout the process of the water strategy development. There will be many opportunities throughout the next three years to contribute ideas, voice concerns, and raise questions about the best ways to manage our water resources. To start the dialogue with Nova Scotians, NSEL is preparing a discussion paper to encourage participation in and set the direction for public consultations.
The water strategy development will be overseen by an Interdepartmental Water Management Committee consisting of 10 government departments and chaired by the Deputy Minister of Environment and Labour. The participating departments are: Agriculture, Energy, Environment and Labour, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Health Promotion and Protection, Natural Resources, Nova Scotia Economic Development, Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, Transportation & Public Works, Tourism, Culture and Heritage.
