News Release

Environment Minister John Baird Celebrates Earth Day

OTTAWA, April 22, 2007 - The Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment, joined by Michael Rosen, President of Tree Canada celebrated Earth Day today with students, parents and teachers of Lakeview Public School by planting new trees in the school yard.

"Earth Day is a great opportunity to reflect and be proud of what we've accomplished and to think about how we can all continue to work to protect our environment," said Minister Baird. "The trees we planted here today are a great example of a concrete action that all Canadians can take, right in their own backyard, to help improve the air we breathe." 

According to Tree Canada, a not-for-profit organization that encourages Canadians to plant and care for trees, an average Canadian tree will capture between 200 and 225 kg of carbon over an 80-year period.

"Tree Canada is most pleased to be celebrating Earth Day, and to be part of this school ground greening initiative. Schoolyards have always been a top priority for us, because by greening them we provide our children with exciting natural spaces for learning and playing", says Michael Rosen, President of Tree Canada.  

Minister Baird took the opportunity to encourage Canadians to get involved in fighting climate change at home and to teach their children about the importance of clean air.  "Canada's New Government is serious about tackling climate change and protecting the air we breathe, but we know we can't do it alone," said Baird. "Taking steps at home and teaching our children to protect the environment will be the key to securing a healthier future for all Canadians."

Canada's New Government's comprehensive environmental agenda, which totals $9 billion, includes financial incentives to drive environmentally-friendly vehicles, a tax break for public transit users, support for the growth of renewable energy sources like wind and tidal power, help for Canadians to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, and action on renewable fuels.

For more information on the government's environmental initiatives, visit 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

Michael R. Rosen, R.P.F., President
Tree Canada
613-567-5545 ext. 222
Cell: 613-290-3665