Prince Edward Island will introduce a water act providing a new legislative and policy framework to ensure the sustainable management of the province’s water resources, according to an announcement from Environment, Labour and Justice Minister Janice Sherry.
“The implementation of a water act will demonstrate government’s commitment to managing water resources in a sustainable manner for present and future generations,” Sherry said. “There will be broad consultations with Islanders and experts in the development of the new act.”
While there are currently many pieces of legislation, regulations, and policies in place surrounding the province’s water, PEI lacks a comprehensive set of water policies united in one piece of legislation. The water act will address areas such as groundwater allocation, discharges into fresh and marine water environments, and water quality targets.
Minister Sherry also stated that lifting the moratorium on high capacity wells for agriculture irrigation will not be considered until the water act is approved and regulations are in place.
