New members appointed to Environmental Advisory Council
The Environmental Advisory Council has been re-established to provide independent advice to government on environmental issues in Prince Edward Island.
The council brings together members representing a range of sectors and perspectives, including agriculture, fisheries, tourism, industry, municipalities, environmental organizations and conservation interests. During the first year, the council will advise government on water allocation and emerging pressures on the province’s water resources.
“Water is one of Prince Edward Island’s most important resources, and decisions about how we manage it today will have impacts for future generations to come. We have brought together people with a wide range of knowledge, experience, and perspectives to help us work through some complex questions we are facing. I want to thank each member for stepping forward and committing their time and expertise to this important work.”
- Minister of Land and Environment Darlene Compton
Current council members include:
- John MacQuarrie, chair
- Ron Maynard, vice-chair
- Rebecca Ramos Armstrong
- Carolyn Peach Brown
- Les Burridge
- Cassandra Gautreau
- Matthew Jelley
- Debbie Johnston
- Krista Shaw
- Peter Warris
Advice from the council on water-related issues will include considerations for managing water resources in areas at or nearing capacity, applications from new users in areas with limited available capacity, surface water withdrawals, and the management of irrigation and water storage ponds.
This work will complement the Department of Land and Environment’s existing responsibilities under the Water Act, including legislation, policies, permitting, monitoring, and technical water management. The council will provide recommendations to help guide transparent, sustainable, and evidence-based decisions about water resources in the province.
The Environmental Advisory Council is established under the Environmental Protection Act and serves as an advisory body to the Minister of Land and Environment. Over the years, the council has provided advice on important environmental issues, including the development of the Water Act.
Members of the council are appointed from those who apply through Engage PEI.
For more information, visit Environmental Advisory Council.
Media contact:
Morgan Martin
Department of Land and Environment
902-218-3430
[email protected]
Backgrounder:
John MacQuarrie of Charlottetown, Queens County, is retired and held various senior leadership roles in the province in agriculture and environment. John represents the interests of the environment sector and will serve as Chairperson for the Council.
Ron Maynard of Tyne Valley, Prince County, has served the Council since 2015 representing the PEI Federation of Agriculture. A McGill University graduate, Ron has been actively involved in the dairy industry at the provincial and national levels for over 40 years. He will continue to represent the agriculture sector and serve as Vice-Chair of the Council.
Rebecca Ramos Armstrong of Charlottetown, Queens County is a monitoring specialist for the salmon, river otter, and bat monitoring program. Rebecca Ramos Armstrong represents the interests of the environment and conservation sectors.
Carolyn Peach Brown of Charlottetown, Queens County, is a retired academic of environmental studies. Carolyn Peach Brown represents the interests of the environment and conservation sectors.
Les Burridge of Stratford, Queens County, has worked as an environmental scientist for over 40 years, with a focus on aquaculture. Les Burridge represents the interests of the fisheries sector.
Cassandra Gautreau of Dunstaffnage, Queens County, is the current representative nominated by the Federation of PEI Municipalities, where she currently serves as a Programs Officer. Cassandra has a background in environmental science and land use planning and practical experience in community-focused sustainability efforts.
Matthew Jelley of Granville, Queens County, is a non-practicing member of the PEI Law Society and has been a successful entrepreneur in the tourism industry for multiple decades. Matthew Jelley represents the interests of the tourism sector.
Debbie Johnston of Three Rivers, Kings County has previously served on the Council as a nominee for the Federation of PEI Municipalities while she was the Mayor of Three Rivers. Prior to that, Debbie had a 28-year career in air quality and hazardous materials and is continuing as a member of the Council representing the interests of the environment sector.
Krista Shaw of Stanhope, Queens County, is the Director of Stakeholder Relations at the PEI Potato Board and has experience in federal, provincial and municipal governments. Krista will represent the interests of the agriculture sector.
Peter Warris of Charlottetown, Queens County, is the current Executive Director of the PEI Aquaculture Alliance, having been involved with the association for two decades. Peter Warris represents the interests of the industry sector.