OTTAWA—January 31, 2005 – The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment and the Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) today announced the federal government’s plans to continue a year-round human presence on Sable Island and to directly manage the Island’s Weather Station.  

“The federal government, along with the provinceof Nova Scotia, agree that it is in the best interests of Canadians to ensure that Sable Island, with its special history and unique scientific and ecological value, is preserved for generations to come,” said Minister Dion.  “We believe the best way to achieve this is by maintaining a human presence on the island.”

“Canadians understand the historical and environmental importance of Sable Island. The federal and provincial governments are responding today to Canadian’s concerns for the future of Sable Island and remain committed to finding a viable long-term solution to protect Sable Island's future,” said Minister Regan.

"The Province of Nova Scotia has worked very hard with the federal government and Sable Island stakeholders to ensure that the island would be preserved and protected. We welcome the federal government's commitment to continue a year-round human presence on Sable Island," said Nova Scotia's Minister of Natural Resources Richard Hurlburt.

The government's decision to reassume the management and operation of the Sable Island station responds to the Sable Island Preservation's Trusts’ assertions that the island's infrastructure is best managed by the federal government, leaving the group to focus its energies on the vital tasks of public education, research, and conservation.

The federal government will work closely with the provinceof Nova Scotia and the Sable Island Preservation Trust to ensure that the transition from the current management structure to the new one is as smooth and seamless as possible for the people involved.                             

For more information, please contact:

André Lamarre
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441

BrianUnderhill
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
(613) 992-3474