Environment and Conservation
June 3, 2014

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Environment and Conservation:

June 1-7 Recognized as Environment Week

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to recognize Environment Week, which runs until June 7.

Since 1972, each year, people across the world have celebrated June 5 as Environment Day. Here in Canada, we’ve designated the entire first week of June as Environment Week and use it as a time to celebrate accomplishments in protecting the environment as well as to promote and educate people about ways they can become involved and make a difference.

Globally, Environment Day was created by the United Nations to generate action on environmental issues and empower people to become more active in what is happening around them when it comes to the environment.

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow I will be presenting this year’s Environment Awards to well-deserving recipients for their outstanding environmental and conservation achievements. Their demonstrated commitment is evidence of the good work groups and individuals are doing to protect the environment − in their own backyards, in schools, communities and workplaces.

Our government is committed to working with individuals, groups, communities and businesses that are dedicated to the protection of our natural areas and to the development of our resources in an environmentally appropriate and sustainable manner.

We are making progress in reducing waste, increasing recycling and taking action to protect and preserve our environment and we will continue to raise awareness about sustaining our province for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage more Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to do their part and participate in activities that promote Environment Week. A healthy and sustainable environment yields healthy people, a stronger economy and more vibrant communities.

Thank you.

2014 06 03                                        2:35 p.m.