HALIFAX--Citizens of Nova Scotia are the big winners in today's announcement that the province will ban the sale of bottled water in provincial facilities.

"Bottled water is more expensive and less regulated than tap water. It's bad for the environment and our health", said Kaley Kennedy, Chairperson for the Canadian Federation of Students-Nova Scotia. "We are proud that Nova Scotia is the first province in Canada to take a stand against the wasteful bottled water industry."

Premier Darrell Dexter told delegates at an annual CUPE Nova Scotia convention that he has asked the Department of the Environment to develop a policy that commits his government to stop the sale of bottled water in all provincial facilities that have access to potable water.

"For years students have been calling on our institutions and governments to ditch the bottle and turn on the tap," added Kennedy. "We hope other provinces will follow Nova Scotia's lead."

The Canadian Federation of Students–Nova Scotia is part of the 'Turn on the Taps and Ditch the Bottle' Coalition, through which labour, environmental and community groups have been working to raise awareness in Nova Scotia about the problems with bottled water.

In Canada, over 70 municipalities, 6 school boards and 6 campuses have committed to phasing out the provision and sale of bottled water.

The Canadian Federation of Students is Canada's largest student organisation, uniting more that one-half million students in all ten provinces. The Canadian Federation of Students and its predecessor organisations have represented students in Canada since 1927.