Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to announce the members of the Waste Reduction and Recovery Advisory Committee. They are:
- • Mr. Greg Rowe of Hay River Liquor Retailers & Tri R Recycling;
- • Mr. Ron Courtoreille of the NWT Liquor Commission;
- • Ms. Stephanie Sibbeston from Fort Simpson;
- • Mr. Bob Weaver of Territorial Beverages Ltd.;
- • Mr. Kevin O'Reilly of the NWT Association of Communities;
- • Mr. Raymond W. Masse of the Inuvik Recycling Society;
- • Mr. Jack Walker of Peterson and Auger Ltd.;
- • Ms. Katherine Silcock of the City of Yellowknife; and,
- • Mr. Joe Agrey of the NWT Motor Transportation Association.
Members will recall that the establishment of the advisory committee was identified in the new Waste Reduction and Recovery Act to provide advice on the establishment and operation of waste recovery programs delivered by this government.
I am confident this committee, with qualified representation from industry, business, municipalities and environmental organizations, will play a vital role in the establishment of our first proposed program, the beverage container recovery program.
The committee held its initial meeting in May and identified the need to develop a full listing of beverage container distributors and importers. The listing will help to ensure that all beverage distributors, manufacturers and importers are treated equally and fairly when the program is implemented later this year.
Mr. Speaker, this government remains committed to providing residents with the opportunity to recycle wastes that would otherwise be disposed in local landfills.
The success of any program, however, will depend on the participation and support of the residents of the Northwest Territories. The Waste Reduction and Recovery Advisory Committee will be instrumental in ensuring the necessary support and participation in this important endeavour. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause