Pippy Park receives new tree to celebrate Canadian Environment Week

Oliver Langdon, Minister of Environment and Labour, planted a Colorado Blue Spruce in Pippy Park today as part of the province�s activities commemorating Canadian Environment Week.

The event was organized by the volunteer Green Committee of the Department of Environment and Labour and was attended by representatives of Scouts Canada, the Pippy Park Commission and two Newfoundland companies that helped sponsor the event. Genesis Organics donated the compost soil for the event and Murray�s Horticultural provided the Colorado Blue Spruce tree.

Minister Langdon commended his staff for taking the initiative outside of their regular duties to organize a tree planting event. "This event demonstrates that the staff of the Department of Environment and Labour are very dedicated and committed to environmental protection and that it is a way of life with them, not just a job."

The minister stated that this initiative fosters a team spirit that is important in enhancing conservation efforts across the province and across the country.

"While this province is fortunate to have clean air, it is important to reflect on the fact that clean air is a global concern," said the minister. "I therefore ask all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to think globally about air quality, but act locally."

Media contact: Sean Kelly, Director of Communications, (709) 729-2575.

2000 06 07                                         2:30 p.m.