Winnipeg, Manitoba, July 18, 2007 – The Royal Canadian Mint, the Canadian Wildlife Federation and Environment Canada are celebrating another one of Canada’s exceptional birds, the Red-Breasted Nuthatch with a special coin and video presentation at the Royal Canadian Mint’s facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Red-Breasted Nuthatch, best known for its ability to hop down trees head first, is featured in the newest Hinterland Who’s Who vignette and appears on the Royal Canadian Mint’s new painted 25-cent collector coin. Both are to be launched at this special event. The Canadian Wildlife Federation, one of Canada’s largest non-profit conservation organizations, and Environment Canada have been working together on the Hinterland Who’s Who wildlife education program since it was re-launched in 2003. “The Hinterland Who’s Who series has and will continue to play an important role in wildlife and conservation education,” said Joy Smith, Member of Parliament for Kildonan-St. Pauls. “Canada’s New Government is proud to partner with the Canadian Wildlife Federation and the Royal Canadian Mint to launch this exciting new chapter in the series that has engaged generations of Canadians in conserving and preserving nature.” The Royal Canadian Mint and its employees selected wildlife and nature as one of its causes of choice under its charitable donations program. This project reflects the beauty of wildlife often depicted on Canadian coins. “Supporting wildlife conservation efforts is very important to employees at the Mint,” said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “We are pleased to join the Canadian Wildlife Federation in celebrating a delightful Canadian bird on this stunning new collector coin.” “The Hinterland Who’s Who series is a part of Canadian culture and for some is at the root of their connection to wildlife;” says Wade Luzny, the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s Executive Vice President. “We are very thankful for the contribution of the Royal Canadian Mint and its employees. They, through the release of this coin and the previously released Ruby-Throated Hummingbird coin, have given Canadians a wonderful way to admire the beauty of Canadian wildlife.” The 2007 25-Cent Red-Breasted Nuthatch coin retails for a suggested $24.95 CDN and can be purchased directly from the Mint by calling 1-800-267-1871 in Canada or 1-800-268-6468 in the US, via the Internet at www.mint.ca, or by visiting the Mint’s boutiques in Ottawa and Winnipeg. This coin is also available from the RCM's global network of dealers and distributors.About the Canadian Wildlife Federation:CWF is dedicated to fostering awareness and appreciation of our natural world. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, sponsoring research, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, recommending legislative changes, and cooperating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians may live in harmony with nature. Visit www.cwf-fcf.org for more information.About the Royal Canadian Mint: The Royal Canadian Mint, an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is the Crown Corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada’s circulation coins. In operation since 1908, the Royal Canadian Mint is recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage products and related services on an international scale. For more information on the RCM, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca.About Environment Canada: Environment Canada's mandate is to preserve and enhance the quality of the natural environment; conserve Canada's renewable resources; conserve and protect Canada's water resources; forecast weather and environmental change; enforce rules relating to boundary waters; and coordinate environmental policies and programs for the federal government.For more information about the Federal Government of Canada’s environmental initiatives, please visit: http://www.ecoaction.gc.caContacts: Jennifer JamesCanadian Wildlife FederationCommunications OfficerPhone: (613) 599-9594 ext.219Sandy Baumgartner Canadian Wildlife FederationExecutive Director, Programs and CommunicationsPhone: (613) 599-9594 ext 228Alexandre ReevesRoyal Canadian MintManager, CommunicationsPhone: (613) 949-5777Environment CanadaMedia RelationsPhone: 1-888-908-8008(819) 934-8008
