Vancouver, B.C. - January 9, 2007 - Federal Environment
Minister John Baird will meet this afternoon with representatives
from ten environmental non-governmental organizations as
part of his outreach to Canada’s environmental leaders.
Greenpeace Canada, Pollution Probe, Nature Canada, Équiterre,
the Pembina Institute, Sierra Legal Defence Fund, Sierra
Club of Canada, World Wildlife Fund and the David Suzuki
Foundation are expected to participate.
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to meet with members
of the Canadian environmental community, particularly at
this early stage in my new role as Environment Minister,”
remarked Minister Baird. “I look forward to discussing what
actions we can work on together to address Canadian environmental
challenges like clean air, climate change and chemical substances
management.”
“Environmental groups are important to Canada’s New Government’s
efforts to achieve shared environmental goals. Furthermore,
the millions of Canadians who are members of these organizations
are instrumental in helping Canada develop environmental
citizenship across the nation,” stated Minister Baird.
Canada’s New Government has a comprehensive environmental
agenda, which includes Canada’s Clean Air Act, support for
public transit users, a comprehensive Chemicals Management
Plan and action on renewable fuels. Prime Minister Harper
also recently announced the creation of a new Cabinet Committee
on the Environment and Energy Security which will pursue
practical, results-oriented solutions to decrease Canada’s
greenhouse gas emissions, reduce pollution and improve the
health and well-being of Canadians.
“As I stated earlier this week, more needs to be done and
we need to focus on achieving tangible results,” said Minister
Baird. “I think we can accomplish a great deal. I look forward
to a productive relationship with Canada’s environmental
groups.”
Mike Van Soelen
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
Canada's New Government Delivers on Commitment - Newfoundland
and Labrador Weather Office Opens
GANDER, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR, January 9, 2007 – Prime
Minister Stephen Harper delivered on his promise to reinstate
the Newfoundland and Labrador Weather Office in Gander today,
as it issued the first public weather forecast for the province.
The Weather office was officially opened by Avalon M.P.
Fabian Manning on behalf of Environment Minister John Baird.
"Prime Minister Stephen Harper committed to providing
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with weather forecasts
that meet their needs and reflect the reality of the province's
unique weather," said Minister Baird. "The Prime
Minister made this promise and we have delivered. I am very
pleased that the weather office for the province is now
up and running."
In a few weeks, the 1-900 user-pay phone consultation service
for the province will be operational from the Newfoundland
and Labrador Weather Office. In addition, an important new
polar-orbiting satellite reception station will soon be
installed at the Gander office. It will be one of two such
Environment Canada stations across the country.
"Canada's New Government is committed to strengthening
safety in Canadian communities from coast to coast,"
said Mr. Manning. "Ensuring this safety starts with
accurate weather reports and for Newfoundland and Labrador,
that begins right here in this Weather Office."
Marine weather forecasting will transfer to the Gander
office by next summer. Environment Canada's National Marine
Services Office continues to provide national leadership
on marine weather services and standards.
Dave Wartman
Acting Director, Meteorological Service of Canada - Atlantic
Operations
