The Provincial Government is once again partnering with the Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association with $34,000 in funding to support projects and programs to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the province and promote awareness around the effects these gases have on the environment. With this support, the Lung Association will work toward advancing activities in the area of climate change and air quality.

"The Lung Association plays a very important role in promoting the reduction of greenhouse gases through a number of initiatives aimed at air quality improvements such as the elimination of unnecessary vehicle idling," said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. "We recognize that these initiatives are instrumental in increasing awareness of climate change and its effects on our province. These partnerships also add to the successful implementation of our Climate Change Action Plan."

The Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association was founded in 1944 and is one of the oldest health charities in Canada. The association works to improve respiratory health and fight lung disease through activities that support medical research, community education and advocacy. In addition to providing support for people living with respiratory diseases such as asthma, the Lung Association is considered to be a leader in providing educational information on both indoor and outdoor air quality.

"We are very pleased to continue our partnership with the Department of Environment and Conservation," said Paul Thomey, Executive Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association. "We are committed to supporting the Provincial Government as it develops strategies and undertakes initiatives to address the long-term impacts of climate change, including its impact on the health of all our citizens."

The minister also said that it is extremely important to engage all community partners as the province moves forward with the development of strategies to help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change.

"It is necessary that we work together to understand the unique climate change challenges that face the regions of our province and develop plans to adapt to these challenges," said Minister Johnson. "We must continue to engage all stakeholders, like the Lung Association, in our efforts to deal with the climate change reality we are facing."

Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong Foundation allocated $1.3 million towards the development of the necessary tools, policies and strategies to help communities in Newfoundland and Labrador assess and adapt to climate change impacts, in recognition of the necessity to not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also prepare for the eventual impacts of climate change.

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2009 05 06                                                       3:40 p.m.