News Release

Canadian Environment Week is the Perfect Time for Global Discussions on Climate Change at the G-8 Summitt in Heiligendamm Germany

OTTAWA, June 3- The Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment, kicked off this year's Environment Week (June 3-8) by congratulating Canadians on their actions towards protecting and preserving the environment and encouraging them to stay involved.  This year, Environment Week coincides with the G-8 meeting in Heiligendamm, Germany where Minister Baird will accompany Prime Minister Harper as he meets with other G-8 leaders to discuss the global fight against climate change.

"What better way to recognize Environment Week than to be on the global stage demonstrating to the world how seriously Canada takes the climate change challenge," said Minister Baird. "After years of waiting, Canada finally has a concrete plan in place to significantly reduce greenhouse gases and the Prime Minister and I are eager to take our plan to the Summit meeting."

With the G-8 leaders, as well as the five major developing economies from around the world at one table, Canada will be playing an active role with other nations to lay the groundwork for the kind of effective international protocol the world needs post-2012.

Environment Week is a great opportunity to reflect on how the environment affects us all.  It is clear that Canada cannot work in isolation if we're going to make real change. As this week unfolds and Canadians participate in various activities, I encourage them to consider their personal impact as part of a larger global community.  I urge all Canadians to continue to protect our precious resources and natural wonders."

Canadian Environment Week is held during the first week of June to coincide with World Environment Day. This special day was designated by the United Nations in 1972 to empower people from every corner of the globe to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development.

For more information on activities taking place in your community this week, visit the Community Calendar available on Environment Canada's website www.ec.gc.ca.

For more information, please contact:

Eric Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441

Environment Canada Media Relations
(819) 934-8008
1-888-908-8008