OTTAWA, June 3, 2013 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada invites all Canadians to reflect on their environment during Canadian Environment Week, observed annually during the first full week of June. Canada's Minister of the Environment, the Honourable Peter Kent, noted that the week was a time to reflect on our collective environmental achievements and stewardship, for all Canadians today and tomorrow to enjoy.
"Canadian Environment Week is not only a great opportunity to celebrate our achievements in protecting our natural environment, but it is also an excellent opportunity to further inspire all Canadians to work together to do even more to preserve, protect and restore our land, our air, and our water."
The Minister pointed to some of the Government's important environmental achievements:
- The Launching of the Joint-Monitoring Plan on the oil sands;
- More stringent regulations in a variety of areas, to combat climate change through a sector by sector approach and fulfill our commitment of reducing Canada's greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020;
- The cooperation with provincial and territorial counterparts, to improve air quality for all Canadians;
- On the international stage, the Government's investment of $1.2 billion towards climate change fast-start financing to further help developing economies reduce emissions and adapt to climate change, which is a global challenge;
- Canada's collaboration with a variety of business and international partners to encourage innovative environmental technologies and clean energy;
- The advancements made for the protection of wildlife, water and land in Canada—protected areas in Canada now account for an area that is nearly the size of Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Switzerland combined.
The Minister also stated that 2013 was designated the International Year of Water Cooperation, and cited some of the work the Government has undertaken in this regard.
"We are working with our international partners, such as the United States in the Great Lakes, and with our provincial and territorial counterparts, to improve and protect our important water resources. Our Government has worked with the provinces and territories to bring about Canada's first national standards for wastewater treatment."
The Minister stated that such focus and cooperation was also key to addressing other environmental issues and challenges.
"Canadians should take this opportunity to celebrate our rich and diversified environment, to reflect on our numerous achievements and to think and prepare for future challenges. Collectively, we must never lose sight of the importance of a healthy environment in which to live, grow and raise our families."
SOURCE: Environment Canada
Mary Ann Dewey-Plante
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Media Relations
Environment Canada
819-934-8008
Environment Canada's Twitter page: http://twitter.com/environmentca
Environment Canada's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/environmentcan
(Également offert en français)
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