June 6, 2007

Clean Air Day is our opportunity to learn more about how we can individually take action to reduce air pollution and reduce our personal carbon footprint.  It is an opportunity to think about our future and to imagine the environment we want to leave to the next generation.  Canadians care passionately about the environment, air quality and climate change.  These are priorities of Canadians and our government.

While we have all made progress on these issues, much more work needs to be done.  Canada's New Government is committed to environmental actions that can help keep our country healthy and prosperous.

For the first time Canada has a comprehensive and integrated regulatory approach to reduce both air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change.  Both types of pollutants are generally emitted by the same sources and their impacts on the environment interact. This affects the health of Canadians, which is why we are taking action on both.

Canada's New Government's environmental agenda also includes the Chemicals Management Plan, ecoENERGY Initiatives, the ecoTransport Strategy, the ecoAUTO Program, support for public transit, action on renewable fuels, and new investments of $4.5 billion in Budget 2007. Our comprehensive agenda totals $9 billion.

Our plan will have real, tangible health and environmental benefits for Canadians: cleaner communities and natural spaces, healthier children, more sustainable natural resources, and, meaningful contributions to the global effort to control greenhouse gas emissions.

As we mark Clean Air Day, let's not forget the important role we all play: as consumers, as parents, as employers and employees, and as responsible citizens.

About 28% of Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions come from the actions of individual Canadians.  Every time we turn on a light, hop in the car, start up a computer, or do anything that uses energy, we are responsible for producing greenhouse gases.

For this reason, we encourage every Canadian to participate in this year's Clean Air Day on Wednesday Jun2007-09-04ur commitment to the environment: at home, on the road, and at work.  Even simple adjustments to your lifestyle can often save energy, reduce your environmental impact, improve your health, and save money too.

A greener, healthier Canada is important for our families, our communities and for future Canadians.  As we move forward on clean air and climate change, use Clean Air Day to renew your commitments or to try something new.  Every bit counts - today and everyday.

The Honourable John Baird,
Minister of the Environment

The Honourable Tony Clement,
Minister of Health