News Release

Minister Baird Offers Congratulations to New Graduates of Enforcement Training Program 

OTTAWA, July 24, 2007 -The Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environmenttoday applauded 15 new graduates of Environment Canada's Basic Enforcement Training course, hosted by Algonquin College in Ottawa.  The Minister attended the ceremony and was on hand to give the new graduates their diplomas and offer his best wishes. 

"I want to extend my sincere congratulations to this latest group of graduates ," said Minister Baird.  "Completing this course puts them on the road to a rewarding career as enforcement officers with Environment Canada.  Canada's New Government has made enforcement of environmental laws a priority, and today's graduates will help protect our wildlife and ensure clean air, water and green spaces for the benefit of all Canadians."

"Algonquin College is pleased to partner with Environment Canada to provide Basic Enforcement Training for Environment Canada Officers," says Gerry Barker, Executive Dean, Faculty of Health, Public Safety and Community Studies, Algonquin College.  "Algonquin would like to congratulate these 15 graduates as they are now prepared to return to their offices across Canada and implement what they have learned at Algonquin in their new role as Environment Canada Officers."

Environment Canada enforcement personnel conduct inspections and investigate potential offences under a number of Acts and Regulations including the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999; the Species at Risk Act (SARA); the pollution provisions of Canada's Fisheries Act; the Migratory Birds Act and Regulation; and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA). They help ensure that companies, government employees and the general public comply with legislation and regulations that protect Canada's environment.

For more information about the Government of Canada's environmental initiatives, please visit:  http://www.ecoaction.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