News Release

PETITCODIAC DISCUSSIONS - UPDATE

Moncton, N.B. -- Federal and provincial officials met in Fredericton on November 7, 2001, to further advance discussions on the proposed environmental assessment of the Petitcodiac River Causeway. This meeting follows recent commitments from both levels of government for rapid progress on the Causeway issue.

Tangible progress has been made and talks will be continuing over the next week on how to harmonise the provincial and federal environmental assessment processes. Federal officials reinforced the commitment made by the Government of Canada to provide a mix of financial contributions and in-house expertise to this process. They also provided assurance that the federal environmental assessment review will be open and totally objective.

In the meantime, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has undertaken to facilitate a project with New Brunswick to measure the unusual amount of silt deposits in the River. This study is a unique opportunity to obtain valuable information on the combined impacts of the Causeway and prolonged drought conditions. This information will be of great benefit to the environmental assessment.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Internet: : http://www.glf.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/comm-comm/nr-cp/index-e.html