The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to managing its expenditures responsibly and this report has been prepared with a focus on accountability and transparency in keeping with Government's direction. The 2010-11 Annual Report documents progress made over the past fiscal year on delivering Government's promises to the people of Saskatchewan, including taking steps to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of programs and services to ensure the best use of public funds.

The Ministry of Environment is committed to providing public service excellence in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable use of natural resources. This is accomplished while supporting Government's broader vision to secure Saskatchewan's position as an economic leader and land of opportunity.

As part of ensuring the province is ready to meet the challenges of economic and population growth, the ministry is in the process of moving to a new regulatory model. This change will facilitate increased attention on high-risk industrial activities, increase options for industry to achieve environmental outcomes and harmonize environmental policies across government.

In support of the new model three key pieces of legislation were amended this year, The Environmental Management and Protection Act, The Forest Resources Management Act and The Environmental Assessment Act and a new act, The Management and Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Act was also passed. All four pieces of legislation are expected to be proclaimed in 2012 once enabling sections of the Saskatchewan Environmental Code are completed.

Substantive progress has been made on developing the province's new Environmental Code. The code is a clear, concise statement of objectives, recommended practices and alternatives. A Code Development Committee, comprised of individuals with a broad range of environmental knowledge and expertise, was established to provide guidance on the content of the code and supporting materials.

The strategies and key actions that the Ministry of Environment will undertake in the next year to support the government's direction, vision and goals are described in the Plan for 2011-12. I report the ministry's progress in meeting its plan in the 2011-12 Annual Report.

2010-11 Ministry of Environment Annual Report

2010-11 Ministry of Environment Annual Report Highlights