Ministerial Mandate Letter - Land and Environment

Dear Premier,

Please accept this letter in response to your mandate letter to all Ministers, dated March 3, 2026, for the Department of Land and Environment.

The Department of Land and Environment promotes the protection of the natural environment and the public health and safety of Islanders through responsible air, land, and water stewardship, efficient and sustainable land use, and supportive built environments. Conservation, sustainable management, and wise use of our forests, fish, and wildlife resources are key areas of focus. The Department is also responsible for the adoption of codes and standards to ensure construction is safe and responsive to industry needs while adapting to the pressures of a changing climate.

This letter aligns with the priorities outlined in the Speech from the Throne and reflects a whole‑of‑government focus on practical action, careful use of public funds, and delivering real results for Islanders.

Specific Actions for the Next 12–18 Months

• Release a What We Heard report on recent consultations on the future of land use.
• Review and update the guiding principles for Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) in assessing land acquisition applications.
• Close legislative gaps for any land currently exempt from the Lands Protection Act.
• Complete the Land Evaluation and Development Suitability (LEADS) model to guide land‑use planning, protection of agricultural land, and climate adaptation.
• Update and publish the provincial wetland policy.
• Expand extended producer‑responsibility recycling programs.
• Revise the Pesticide Controls Act regulations and prepare training to allow for the safe application of pesticides using aerial drones.
• Introduce new forest legislation and advance FireSmart community pilots.
• Reach the 7% land‑protection target. 
• Implement shoreline management plans for the entire coastline and advance regulatory amendment to address coastal development and flood risk.
• Work with Justice and Public Safety on requirements for wetland, flood, and erosion disclosures for real estate transactions.
• In collaboration with colleagues in Transportation, Infrastructure, and Energy, pursue sustainable biomass heating options for new government buildings and develop vegetation management legislation.

In addition to these specific actions by the Department, we will engage as needed with the review of the IRAC by providing information and policy analysis to support the work of the commissioner.

Together, these actions set out a clear and practical path to strengthening environmental protection, responsible land use, and public confidence in regulatory decision‑making.

Sincerely,

Hon. Darlene Compton