NEIA meets with Minister of Environment and Conservation during Environment Week

For Immediate Release
June 5, 2013

ST. JOHN’S, NL – On Tuesday, the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) marked Canadian Environment Week by meeting with the Minister of Environment and Conservation, Hon. Tom Hedderson.

The meeting between Mr. Hedderson and NEIA’s Board of Directors explored the current issues facing the environmental sector in Newfoundland and Labrador, and how to best approach growing that sector.

“Through the work of its Department of Environment and Conservation, and the Office of Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Emissions Trading, the provincial government has been an excellent supporter of the environmental sector in this province,” said Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA.

Lomond points to a recent report published by GLOBE Advisors and AMEC Environment & Infrastructure, “An Analysis of the Economic Development Opportunities Associated with the Green Economy in Newfoundland and Labrador”, which states the province has the potential to grow its environmental sector – in terms of employment – by 30% before 2020.

“There are tremendous growth opportunities for the environmental sector in our province,” says Ted Lomond, NEIA’s Executive Director. “We are working closely with the provincial government to put the policies and mechanisms in place to ensure we achieve that potential.”

“A stronger environmental sector increases employment opportunities, strengthens the competitiveness of local firms, opens international markets, diversifies the provincial economy,” said Lomond, “and it does this while better protecting our natural environment which is so highly valued by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the environmental industry in this province. It is Newfoundland and Labrador’s premier resource for the industry offering a diverse range of expert knowledge and services in the business of mitigating and minimizing environmental damage for the protection and enhancement of the environment for present and future generations. NEIA has over 140 members.

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