Hey All,
Michael recently pressed Environment Minister Penner on the latest news regarding the North Alouette.
Below is the transcript from that exchange.
2009 Legislative Session: First Session, 39th Parliament
COMMITTEE A BLUES
This is a DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY of debate in one sitting of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. This transcript is subject to corrections, and will be replaced by the final, official Hansard report. Use of this transcript, other than in the legislative precinct, is not protected by parliamentary privilege, and public attribution of any of the debate as transcribed here could entail legal liability.
DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
(HANSARD)
COMMITTEE A BLUES
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2009
Morning Sitting
CSA – 20091117 AM 002/age/1005
PROCEEDINGS IN THE
DOUGLAS FIR ROOM
Committee of Supply
ESTIMATES: MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT
M. Sather: The minister will be aware of an issue on the North Alouette River in Maple Ridge where water was illegally diverted from the river in early June by the Aquilini Investment Group for a cranberry operation. The conservation officer service has investigated, and personnel from the ministry said that recommendations are being forwarded to the Attorney General’s office with regard to the possibility of charges. [DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY]
When will those recommendations go forth to the Attorney General’s office, and will the minister commit that, whether or not charges are laid, the outcome of this investigation will be made public? [DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY]
Hon. B. Penner: I’m advised, in response to concerns that were raised in the area of the North Alouette River that the member refers to, that the Ministry of Environment staff did attend and perform an on-site investigation. I think that was in June of 2009. [DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY]
[1025]
Subsequent to that the ministry did issue an order requiring that the operator cease any water withdrawals from that equipment that was found there during our inspection. [DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY]
CSA – 20091117 AM 006/bah/1025
The conservation officer service was called in for an investigation. I’m advised that the CEIU, the commercial environmental investigations unit, which was established about three years ago, is handling that investigation on behalf of the Ministry of Environment. [DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY]
In due course a report to Crown counsel will likely be forwarded. I am not going to speculate about what the recommendations will be to Crown counsel, but the process that will be followed will be the same for any investigation. Whether or not charges are approved by Crown counsel, the same process will apply afterwards to whether or not that information is available through freedom of information. [DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY]
