YELLOWKNIFE, October 14, 2005 The Greenstone building was unveiled today by the Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Minister of State (Northern Development).
Speaking on behalf of Public Works and Government Services Minister Scott Brison, Minister Blondin-Andrew announced that the new building will house about 200 public service employees from approximately 15 different departments and agencies, including Service Canada.
"As one of the most energy-efficient buildings in the country, the Greenstone Building is an example of Canada's commitment to protecting the environment," said Minister Blondin-Andrew. "In addition, this green building will save the Canadian taxpayer an estimated $70,000 per year in energy costs and will reduce greenhouse gases. It is an environmental showpiece for the North."
"The Government of Canada is pleased to see energy-efficient technology in place in our new building in Yellowknife," said the Honourable John McCallum, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Natural Resources. "Improved efficiency and developing alternate sources of energy will reduce demand on our traditional energy sources and take action on climate change by reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions."
The event also marked the opening of the Service Canada Centre in the building. Service Canada provides access to a number of Government of Canada programs and services. Today, this network includes 320 Service Canada Centres in communities throughout Canada; a national 1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232) telephone service providing Canadians with information about all federal government services; and a range of on-line services at servicecanada.gc.ca.
"Service Canada is about working to bring better service to more Canadians, especially those living in rural, remote and northern locations," said Ms. Blondin-Andrew, on behalf of Belinda Stronach, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister responsible for Democratic Renewal. "It supports the needs and goals of the people who live here by making it easier for them to access government services."
The name Greenstone was chosen by a committee of residents comprised of members of the Yellowknife Community. The Greenstone belt is the basis of geological exploration and economic development in the Yellowknife area.
- 30 -
For further information, please contact:
Martin Tremblay
Special Assistant, Communications
Minister of State Blondin-Andrew's Office
(613) 298-1214
Anne Pratt
Manager, Corporate Communications
Public Works and Government Services Canada
(780) 497-3619
Tom Ormsby
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
(613) 996 2007
Media Relations
Public Works and Government Services Canada
(819) 956-2315
Media Relations
Service Canada
(819) 994-5559
Public Enquiries
Service Canada
1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232)
TTY: 1 800 926-9105
servicecanada.gc.ca
