Minutes of NB Coastal Joint Action Group (NBC JAG) “Formation Meeting”

June 9, 2006, 9:30am

Environment Canada Boardroom, Environmental Science Centre, Moncton

Attendees:

Marc-André Plourde, Les ami(e)s de la Kouchibouguacis

Larry Hildebrand, Environment Canada

Nina van der Pluijm, NB Dept. of Health

Frank Emond, Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Ernest Ferguson, Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans, Gulf Region

Steve Wilson, Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans, Maritimes Region

Monique Anne Morin, NB Dept. of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture

Jocelyne Gauvin, Le Groupe de développement durable du Pays de Cocagne

Léopold Bourgeois, Le Groupe de développement durable du Pays de Cocagne

Kim Hughes, NB Dept. of Environment

Susan Farquharson, Eastern Charlotte Waterways Inc.

Laura Barrett, Eastern Charlotte Waterways Inc.

Regrets:

Harry Collins, Miramichi River Environmental Action Committee

Roundtable introductions were conducted so attendees could express their representation and purpose for being at the table.  It should be noted that all members either stated water quality or habitat as their main focus.  S. Farquharson (Chair) gave a brief history of the proposed NBC JAG.  S. Farquharson also mentioned that the Minister of Natural Resources, Keith Ashfield had sent a letter stating, “While the Department supports the formation of the New Brunswick Coastal Joint Action Group we are unable to commit any resources at this time”.

S. Farquharson requested that the attendees state any concerns that they may have regarding the proposed NBC JAG.

·        E. Ferguson wondered what the timeline would be for efforts by the groups as there is only funding by the Environmental Trust Fund (ETF) until March 31, 2007.

·        Response: S. Farquharson stated that ETF should not be the only source of funds in future years considering all the agencies and respective mandates that are at the table.

·        E. Ferguson suggested that the NBC JAG would have to show the economic benefits of clean water to the public and government, as this is what they understand.

·        Response: Members agreed with E. Ferguson.

·        L. Hildebrand wondered if the NBC JAG members would only be reporting to their respective agencies or if they would also report to other departments, agencies and organizations.

·        Response: S. Farquharson stated that members from government agencies would be reporting to ministerial levels.  Also, if it is determined that other agencies/organizations should be informed then members may be asked to communicate to these groups at respective meetings, etc.

·        K. Hughes wondered if Business NB, ACOA and the NB Real Estate Association should be brought onboard.

·        Response:  S. Farquharson stated that these agencies as well as others might become partners later in the process once it is determined what the priorities and focus of the NBC JAG will be.

·        All members agreed that political pressure might be of value to the group and the respective communities in which monitoring or efforts are conducted.  Keeping in mind that the MLAs must be kept informed.

S. Farquharson led the group in a discussion regarding the name and mandate of the proposed group.

·        There was a brief discussion regarding the current name.  Few members were aware of the concerns surrounding the use of “JAG” and its relation to other projects.

·        At the end of the discussion the mandate was stated as: “Provide a committed team of diverse stakeholders (non-government and government) able to address impact issues which affect the sustainability of coastal communities of NB.”

Action: Members will decide whether they feel that New Brunswick Coastal Joint Action Group (NBC JAG) is an appropriate name for the organization.  If not the members should provide input/suggestions for a name they think would be appropriate.  Submissions/suggestions will be discussed at the next meeting.

S. Farquharson led the group through a discussion of the Priority Action Recommendations compiled from the NB Coastal Issues Clinics held in October and November 2005.  Each member, in preparation for the meeting, had been asked to choose two items they thought were priority for them and could be feasibly addressed by the group:

·        Sewage: Discussions led to the addition of Wastewater to the title of this topic:

1)      Create a province-wide awareness campaign about sewage and septic systems and their impact on water quality, and local economies (target onsite septic owners, municipalities, and provincial and federal decision makers).

2)      Make an inventory of septic systems and monitor water in parallel.  Make an action plan subsequent to results.

3)      Mandatory septic tank pumping conducted through tax collection (local government).

4)      Incentives/motivation for compliance.

·        Nutrients: Members were unclear as to the status of nutrient based data collection.  Many felt that this category could be addressed within the Sewage/Wastewater section for the time being:

Action:  Members of the formation committee are to inquiry with respective agency/organizations what monitoring and/or data collection of nutrients has occurred or is occurring along the coast of New Brunswick.

·        Habitat and Resource Management: There was significant discussion regarding these priorities outlined at the Clinics in 2005.  S. Farquharson posed the idea that this section would need significant input from Fisheries and Oceans Canada.  S. Wilson commented that for DFO to sit at the table these priorities would have to be addressed along with those in the Sewage/Wastewater and Nutrients sectors.

Subsequent to discussion the following priorities were identified for the group:

1)      Identify and inventory the areas and the causes of habitat loss…who, how, timeframe?  Also, determine the cost to remediate the habitat loss.

2)      Need to build understanding of habitat priorities and stewardship requirements.

Following the agenda, S. Farquharson led the group through a discussion of the Terms of Reference (ToR).

·        Members made comments on a ToR template that had been provided.

·        Revisions and edits were made in a group forum with use of overhead projector.

·        It was agreed that S. Farquharson would remain Chair for the first year.  This item would be further addressed as the committee moved forward.

·        Two tasks were assigned to the group as a result of the ToRs development:

Action: Members are to have their agency/organization assign an alternate to attend meetings in their absence.

Action: Members are to review and “track” changes to the Terms of Reference.

The date of September 20, 2006 was set for the next meeting understanding that virtual communications will be used over the summer months.  N. van der Pluijm suggested that the Moncton Public Health Office could be used for this meeting. 

Meeting was adjourned at 2:50pm. 

Meeting Highlights:

1.      Members agreed that economic benefits needed to be addressed in all sectors.

2.      Members agreed that if at any time the group felt it was not going to be action oriented and successful in working in a collaborative forum to address priorities outlined in the 2005 Clinics that the Committee would not proceed. 

3.      Members agreed that it is necessary to interact with other coastal/environmental multi-stakeholder organizations making sure to not have duplication of information/research.

4.      Members agreed that information exchange is important, as is being a resource for community groups in the province.