Federal Environment Minister Calls on All Canadians to Celebrate Canadian Environment Week

OTTAWA, June 5, 2006 – The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment, is calling on all Canadians to participate in Canadian Environment Week. This year marks the 35th celebration of Canadian Environment Week which takes place from June 4-10, 2006. The week gives Canadians an opportunity to encourage and celebrate grassroots action to make our environment cleaner and healthier.

"Canadian Environment Week is an opportunity for each and every Canadian to celebrate the choices they are making to improve the environment", said Minister Ambrose. "I encourage all Canadians to inform themselves and to participate in the numerous activities occurring during this week. This will help ensure that our communities and families thrive in a healthy environment."

Canadian Environment Week was established through a Private Member's Bill introduced by British Columbia MP Tom Goode and given Royal Assent in March of 1971. To draw attention to all aspects of a healthy environment, the name "Canadian Environment Week" was chosen.

Events are taking place across the country throughout Canadian Environment Week. "A clean and healthy environment is central to our quality of life," added the Minister. "Together, we can all take concrete actions to ensure that we benefit from the highest level of environmental quality to enhance our health and well-being, to protect our natural environment, and to advance Canada's long-term competitiveness. I encourage Canadians to think about their impact on the environment and to act all year round to protect it. Let's take this week to celebrate our accomplishments."

To find out more information on Canadian Environment Week and a listing of this year's events, please visit: www.ec.gc.ca/e-week.

For further information, please contact: