The NBEN supports and strengthens the participation of environmental groups in public consultations with provincial and federal government departments and agencies. The NBEN delegate selection process is transparent, bilingual, and supported by the environmental community for its effective voice for reaching policy makers. NBEN members are encouraged to apply to participate in provincial consultations and to apply, through the CEN, for national and international consultations and conferences.



Species at Risk

Call for Public Comments About Order Amending Schedule 1 to the Species at Risk Act

Environment Canada wants to hear from you about the proposed amendment to Schedule 1 of the species at Risk Act (SARA): the List of Wildlife Species at Risk. The proposal is to add 18 terrestrial species to Schedule 1 of SARA, to reclassify seven terrestrial species already listed on Schedule 1, and to not list three terrestrial species that have been assessed as at risk by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC).The public comment period will end on Monday May 21, 2012. Click here for details

Recovery Strategy Consultations

The Species at Risk Act recognizes the need for consultation with those who may be affected by the conservation of species at risk.

Environment Canada would like your feedback on the proposed Recovery Strategy for the Gulf of St Lawrence Aster in Canada. The Gulf of St Lawrence Aster is listed as Threatened on Schedule 1 of the federal Species at Risk Act. The Recovery Strategy will be a key component in the conservation and recovery of this species.

The proposed Recovery Strategy for the Gulf of St Lawrence Aster in Canada was posted on the Species at Risk Public Registry on March 14, 2012 for a 60-day public comment period.

Additional information below.


Wetlands

The Minister of Environment, Margaret-Ann Blaney, established a stakeholder engagement initiative on the future of wetland management in New Brunswick in May 2011. The government's strategy was released on February 13, 2012.


Crown Land and Private Land Task Forces – Setting Timber Objectives, November 2011 to present

The report of the Private Land Task Force, chaired by Don Floyd, has been released to the public by Bruce Northrup, Minister of Natural Resources. They are inviting the public to make comments until February 24, 2012.

The report of the Crown Land Task Force, chaired by Norm Betts, was been released to the public by the Department of Natural Resources in October 2011 and the public was invited to make comments until January 13 2012.

Additional information and files below.


Indian Island First Nation Wind Energy Project

With a number of other Mi’kmaq First Nations as partners, this proposal is for a community-owned 30 MW wind energy project. The Environmental Assessment document will be tabled by mid-February 2012. Additional information below.


Citizen Engagement Initiative on Learning Dialogue Session, December 2011

The NB2026 Roundtable is currently developing a learning strategy for the province. They have been meeting with organizations, including groups who are members of the Sustainable Education Alliance. They are moving into the public sphere with a series of meetings across the province from January 11 to February 23. As well, people can submit comments until March 31, 2012 by email at info@learninginnb.ca or by phone at 1-888-478-0399.

Information about the projects and the public consultation can be found here.


Pre 2012-2013 Budget, December 2011

The provincial government is engaged in pre-budget consultation. There will be ten meetings in different locations across the province between January 16 and January 25.

As well, citizens can make comments through an online form. That form includes sections for comments on the environment, natural resources, energy and NB Power.

Pre-budget consultation webpage

On-line comment form

Schedule of meetings


Point Lepreau, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Hearings, November 2011

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission is holding hearings in Saint John on NB Power's "application to renew the Power Reactor Operating licence for the Point Lepreau Generating Station and request the authorization to load fuel in the reactor". The hearings are on December 1 and 2 and are open to the public. They will also be webcast live. The Saint John chapter of the Conservation Council has prepared a two-part intervention. Additional information and files below.


Air Quality Regulation: Regulatory proposal: Removing the Heat Input Threshold

The deadline for comments on the proposed amendments to the regulation is September 30, 2011. Additional information and files below.


Sisson Brook Mine

Currently registered under both federal and provincial environmental assessment processes.  Deadline for public comments and funding to the federal government is October 3, 2011.  The Conservation Council has an action alert action alert on this project. Additional information and files below.


Provincial Forest Advisory Committee

The Minister's Provincial Forest Advisory Committee meets twice a year with the Minister of Natural Resources. Environmental community representatives to the committee are David Coon, Conservation Council of NB, and Mary Ann Coleman, NB Environmental Network.

Additional information and files