The Government has attached priority to the development of a comprehensive program designed to augment present pollution abatement and prevention policies. The Ministry of the Environment has investigated several different approaches for achieving the objectives stated by the Government. The following pages outline the rationale for an environmental assessment program and present the advantages and disadvantages of various alternatives which are under consideration. Before proceeding with this policy initiative, and before selecting any particular method of implementation, the Government wishes to seek out the views of interested persons and organizations. This Green Paper is intended to provide a basis for public discussion and to solicit public response.