New Brunswick and Québec sign environmental cooperation agreement

Environment and Local Government Minister Kim Jardine (left) and Québec Environment Minister André Biosclair signing the agreement.

New Brunswick Environment and Local Government Minister Kim Jardine, and Québec Environment Minister André Boisclair, signed the Agreement Between Québec and New Brunswick Concerning Transboundary Environmental Impacts, November 13, at the Québec National Assembly.

"Québec and New Brunswick have common land and maritime borders rich in ecosystems," André Boisclair said. "By helping to preserve the quality of the environment, the cooperation agreement will make development of the recreation and tourism industry as well as commercial and sport fishing possible."

By signing this new bilateral agreement, the two governments agree they will share information and knowledge on environmental problems of common interest, as well as share their expertise on environmental matters. The two governments also pledge to assist each other in the event of an environmental disaster that could affect the quality of the environment in one of the two jurisdictions.

A joint task group will be set up to address, as a priority, issues already identified in the agreement: air quality, acid rain, surface and groundwater management, reduction of pollution in transboundary watercourses, and pollution from agricultural sources.

The signing of this agreement arises from the October 16 meeting when New Brunswick Premier Bernard Lord, and Québec Premier Bernard Landry, agreed to significantly improve the exchanges and collaboration between New Brunswick and Québec in some priority sectoral issues, including the environment.

Québec and New Brunswick are already partners in other multilateral environmental initiatives (acid rain, mercury emissions reduction, climate change) through the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers.

A copy of the new agreement can be found at: www.gnb.ca.

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