South Rustico

Premier Wade MacLauchlan today released the Liberal Party’s platform on the environment, land use and land protection.

“The protection of our environment for future generations is a fundamental responsibility of government,” said the Premier. “In fulfilling this responsibility, a Liberal Government will be guided by the best available science and work in close collaboration with community partners.”

The Premier announced that a Liberal Government will increase funding to local watershed associations by $250,000 annually.

Premier MacLauchlan said a Liberal Government will build on its achievements as a world-leader in renewable wind energy, and will work in cooperation with the federal government and other provinces to decrease the province’s reliance on fossil fuels, increase the amount of renewable energy, complete the undersea cable project and support additional conservation programs.

A Liberal Government will ensure the timely repair of public infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, damaged by weather.

“A shared vision among Islanders on how best to protect our environmental resources is essential for success,” he said. “It is for this reason that I recently announced that a Liberal Government will create a department responsible for communities, land and environment.”

The Premier announced that a Liberal Government will, after public consultation, establish provincial land use policies to guide future decisions on land use planning.

To support these efforts a Liberal Government will enhance planning and technical services, increase education on land use planning and enhance assistance to areas of the Province that are without official plans.

The Premier also spoke about PEI Lands Protection Act and promised to follow through on the recommendations contained in the recent Horace Carver report, notably the adaptation of land holding limits to take account of environmentally sensitive areas.

Premier MacLauchlan committed to public consultations prior to the introduction of a Water Act and highlighted the close relationship between environmental stewardship and the success of our primary industries.

“Ultimately, smart, sensitive and sustainable policies on land use, land ownership and the protection of our natural resources will have the added advantage of building our brand as Canada’s Food Island.”

A Liberal Government will expand joint efforts with the agricultural community to protect environmentally sensitive areas.

“Our farming community has taken many positive steps to improve our environment. They are stewards of our environment and it is important that their contributions, efforts and commitments be recognized, appreciated and communicated to the public.”

Media Contact: Grant Palmer • 902.393.7975 • media@liberalpei.ca