NOTE TO EDITORS:

Minister of Environment and Conservation, Clyde Jackman, will bring greetings tomorrow morning (Tuesday, September12) at the opening ceremonies of the Taxi Driver Appreciation Day as part of the Smart Taxis Encouraging Environmental Respect (STEER) project.

STEER is a unique environmental project started by the taxi industry of St. John�s, and its partners include the City of St. John�s, the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Conservation Corps of Newfoundland and Labrador, and St. John�s Clean and Beautiful. Natural Resources Canada is the primary funder of this non-profit organization and its innovative project.

Taxi Driver Appreciation Day is intended to show gratitude to St. John�s taxi drivers for their efforts towards anti-idling behaviour. Over 200 taxi drivers have taken part in STEER�s educational workshops and other activities geared towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The event begins at 9:00 a.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #1, Blackmarsh Road. Minister Jackman will be speaking at approximately 10:00 a.m. Members of the media are invited to attend.

Media contact:
Tina Coffey, Communications, (709)729-5783, 728-8650
Mike Kehoe, STEER Co-Chair, (709) 685-1083

2006 09 11                                 2:30 p.m.