FREDERICTON (GNB) – The working group to help provide recommendations to the government on watershed management was announced today by Environment and Local Government Minister Serge Rousselle.

“Last year, during engagement sessions held by the department to develop a provincial water strategy, it became evident that one of the main concerns for New Brunswickers was having a clear and concise management framework for watershed management,” said Rousselle. “That is why our government has struck a technical working group to begin looking at this particular issue as an early action under the strategy and provide recommendations on how best to move forward.”

The group of 15 includes members of watershed groups, non-governmental organizations, industry, First Nations, regional service commissions and departmental staff. They are:

  • Donald Killorn, Eastern Charlotte Waterways;
  • Rémi Donelle, Shediac Bay Watershed Association;
  • Stephanie Merrill, Nashwaak Watershed Association;
  • Annick Poirier, Gestion H2O, Caraquet;
  • Lois Corbett, Conservation Council of New Brunswick;
  • John Gilbert, J.D. Irving Ltd.;
  • Josée Albert, New Brunswick Agricultural Alliance;
  • Samantha Robichaud, Mi’kmaq First Nation;
  • Deana Sappier, Maliseet First Nation;
  • Wilson Bell, Greater Miramichi Regional Service Commission;
  • Michelle Gray, Phd., University of New Brunswick Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management;
  • Darryl Pupek, Department of Environment and Local Government;
  • Don Fox, PhD., Department of Environment and Local Government;
  • Nicole Duke, Department of Environment and Local Government; and
  • Katie Pettie, Department of Environment and Local Government.

The water strategy engagement sessions held in spring 2016 received more than 250 submissions. A summary of feedback to date is available online. The draft water strategy is expected later this spring.

“We are on track to present a comprehensive water strategy that reflects our values and will protect and manage this precious resource into the future,” said Rousselle. “We are listening to New Brunswickers, we are focused on our priorities, and we are getting things done.”

 

27-01-17