News
N.B. releases summary report, announces watershed group

Fredericton – A summary of feedback from more than 250 respondents to the N.B. government’s water strategy consultations this past spring is now available online.

The main objective of the process was to hear New Brunswickers’ views on how the government can improve and plan for the future.

“During the engagement sessions, our government garnered feedback from a variety of stakeholders, First Nations and the public,” said Environment and Local Government Minister Serge Rousselle in a news release. “The current status of the Water Classification Regulation under the Clean Water Act was a frequently raised concern. That is why we are establishing a technical working group to look at this particular issue in depth and provide recommendations as we develop the overall water strategy.”

The working group will consist of up to 12 representatives, including members of watershed groups, non-governmental organizations, industry, First Nations, regional service commissions and departmental staff, the release said.

“While there are many opinions on what needs to be done next, there is widespread commitment to having a shared and clear vision for the future in the form of a provincial water strategy,” Rousselle said. “I thank everyone who presented ideas on how to bring this vision to fruition.”

The government’s next step will be to use the feedback to develop, in concert with stakeholders and First Nations, a provincial strategy that will guide the government in further protecting and managing water.

The summary report is available online.