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