Premier Grimes signs on to Suzuki Nature Challenge

Premier Roger Grimes has signed on to "Taking the Nature Challenge", an initiative of the David Suzuki Foundation. Premier Grimes accepted the challenge during a meeting with Dr. Suzuki earlier today.

"I have made the personal commitment to complete some simple actions over the next year in an effort to protect nature for the future," said Premier Grimes. "It is amazing how easy it is to become better stewards of our environment by making simple changes to the way we do our every day activities."

�Taking the Nature Challenge� asks Canadians to choose at least three of 10 actions to become part of the challenge.

"I encourage all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to make their own personal commitment to choose actions which are appropriate to their own lifestyles," said Premier Grimes. "By taking these simple actions, we will all do our part to protect our environment."

The Premier�s commitment supports various programs which have been initiated by the Department of Environment. These include various waste management and waste diversion programs, outlined in the Newfoundland and Labrador Waste Management Strategy.

"While the challenge speaks to a personal commitment, many of these actions can be applied to how this government can operate in a more environmentally-friendly manner," said Premier Grimes. "In the coming weeks, we will announce several initiatives which will continue government�s commitment to environmental sustainability."

Photo # 1: Premier Roger Grimes signs on to David Suzuki's Nature Challenge

Media contact: Catherina Kennedy, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960

2003 05 13                                        3:15 p.m.