NLIS 4
June 7, 2001
(Environment)

The following is distributed at the request of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME):

Excellence in Pollution Prevention Awards presented

Canada's environment is a little bit cleaner due to the outstanding efforts of six organizations that have shown innovation and leadership in pollution prevention. These companies: Conoco Canada Ltd, Hydro One Remote Communities Inc., Irving Pulp & Paper Ltd., Dow Chemical � Western Canada Operations, Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association, and Irving Oil Refinery were honoured today at an awards luncheon hosted by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME).

"These companies have made a commitment to incorporate pollution prevention as a fundamental part of their operations," stated Oscar Lathlin, Minister of Conservation for Manitoba, and current president of CCME, "and we are pleased to acknowledge this commitment before their peers."

This year's winners made significant contributions to improving air quality. Conoco reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by more than 95 per cent. Irving Oil Refinery was recognized for its initiative in producing low-sulphur gasoline. "The use of low-sulphur gasoline, such as is now provided by Irving Oil, will reduce smog levels and improve the respiratory health of Canadians," acknowledges Kenneth Maybee, president and chief executive officer of the New Brunswick Lung Association.

Awards were given in the categories of Small, Medium and Large Business, Organization, Innovations, and Greenhouse Gas Reductions. The winners were presented with a specially designed logo that they may use, signifying their status as a CCME Pollution Prevention award winner.

The CCME Pollution Prevention Awards Program was established in 1997 to support CCME's emphasis on preventing pollution at the source, rather than cleaning up or treating it later. Additional information about the awards program can be viewed on the CCME website at www.ccme.ca.

For further information, contact:

Nancy Gehlen
CCME Secretariat 
204-948-2281

Irving Pulp & Paper
Mary Keith 
506-632-5122

Hydro One Remote Communities
Terry Young
416-345-6072

Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association
Yasmin Tarmohamed
416-364-9333

Conoco
Barb Payer
403-260-2400

Irving Oil
Daniel Goodwin 
506-633-3000

Dow Chemical 
Nancy Fullerton
780-998-8937

2001 06 07                                                   12:30 p.m.