OTTAWA
- April 22, 2008 - Canada's Environment
Minister, John Baird, issued the following
statement on the occasion of Earth Day:
"When it comes
to our environment, Canadians have much
to celebrate and to be proud of. Earth Day
provides all of us with an opportunity to
learn more about the simple initiatives
that we can all incorporate into our daily
routines to help keep our environment clean,
healthy and safe."
"Canadians have
a passion for the environment, and it's
no wonder why. We are truly blessed to live
in one of the most environmentally diverse
countries in the world. From coast to coast
to coast, from the majestic rainforests
and Pacific coast, to the mighty Rockies,
the golden Prairies, Ontario and Quebec's
wonders, the dynamic beaches of our Atlantic
shores and the cool ice and tundra of the
Arctic, there is truly no place on earth
as diverse and naturally beautiful as Canada."
"With this gift
comes great responsibility. As Canada's
Environment Minister, I share Canadians'
passion for protecting our environment.
Our Government believes strongly in ensuring
a healthy and sustainable environment for
current and future generations. That's why
our environmental agenda is focused on conservation
of our parks, protection of our wildlife,
fighting climate change, and protecting
and ensuring clean water for all of us."
This Government recognizes
that the health of our environment is fundamentally
linked to the health of our people. This
recognition has put the concern for our
environment - for protection, conservation,
and a commitment to environmental technologies
and partnerships - at the forefront of our
Government's decision-making.
Canadians can look forward
to a lasting legacy from this Government
on the environment, but must work together.
Our policies are tough, but they also deliver
real and lasting benefits for the health
of our environment and our citizens.
Together, we will be the difference that
will continue to keep Canada beautiful,
healthy and green.
For further information, please contact:
Eric Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
+ More
Government of Canada
Takes Action to Protect Important Land in
West Quebec
CLARENDON, Quebec, April
17, 2008 - On behalf of Environment Minister
John Baird, Canada's Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities and the Member
of Parliament for Pontiac, the Hon. Lawrence
Cannon, today joined representatives from
the Nature Conservancy of Canada in announcing
the purchase and preservation of important
land in West Quebec in the Ottawa Valley.
The purchase marks another achievement under
the Government of Canada's $225 million
Nature Conservancy of Canada Natural Areas
Conservation Program, announced in March
2007.
"By protecting
1,455 acres of land here in western Quebec,
we are helping to protect the environment,
the local wildlife, and their habitat, said
Minister Cannon. "Through our Natural
Areas Conservation Program, the federal
government is playing a lead role in conserving
and protecting our environment for the benefit
of all Canadians. We warmly welcome this
announcement that protects land in western
Quebec that will benefit the Ottawa-Gatineau
region today and for generations to come."
The land totals 1,455
acres, an area roughly the size of 985 Canadian
football fields. It is home to a number
of species of rare turtles, including the
Northern Map Turtle, which is listed as
special concern under the federal Species
at Risk Act. The land is also home to approximately
22 plant species that have been designated
or are under consideration to be designated
threatened or vulnerable in Quebec, including
the Ram's-head Lady's-slipper (orchid),
a globally threatened species.
"Our Government
is proud to play a role in this largest
single land acquisition in the Ottawa Valley
natural area by the Nature Conservancy of
Canada,"said Minister Baird. "Prime
Minister Stephen Harper has committed $225
million to support the Nature Conservancy
of Canada and other conservation organizations
in preserving Canada's natural legacy. Today's
announcement is just one more example of
how our Government is taking real action
to protect Canada's natural environment."
The Natural Areas Conservation
Program is an important on-the-ground initiative
that takes real action to preserve Canada's
environment and conserve its precious natural
heritage for present and future generations.
Since the programs inception we have announced
the conservation of 524 acres on Pelee Island
in Ontario, 336 acres in the Qu'Appelle
Valley region of Saskatchewan, and 751 acres
adjacent to the Skaha Bluffs in British
Columbia. The Program is expected to result
in the long-term protection of up to more
than half a million acres of ecologically
sensitive land across Canada.
Eric Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
