The committee then met with the Minister and his officials on September 21, 2005, to review the draft business plan of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Members also received a briefing from the Minister of Finance on January 17, 2006, outlining the changes to the budget of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources since the committee reviewed the business plan in September.

Committee members made note that the department is proposing to spend $55 million in operations expense and $3 million on capital projects in fiscal year 2006-2007.

Committee members offer the following comment on issues arising out of the review of the 2006-2007 Draft Main Estimates and budget planning cycle.

Keeping Communities Clean

During committee's review of Environment and Natural Resources' 2006-2009 Business Plan, we noted that our beautiful communities and wilderness are being harmed by an ever-increasing problem of illegal dumping spots that are littering the landscape. The committee is concerned with illegal dumping around our communities and thinks that some creative solutions will be required to eliminate this problem.

Recommendation

The committee on Governance and Economic Development recommended the departments of MACA and ENR to work together to draft a strategy to help communities and the surrounding areas stay clean, litter free and eliminate illegal dumping.

The government replied that MACA, through its infrastructure acquisition plan, provides funding to community governments for solid waste disposal sites and they are responsible for enacting and enforcing bylaws to regulate solid waste disposal sites. Environment and Natural Resources offers the beverage container recovery program in the attempt to reduce waste.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.