For immediate release
Gatineau, Quebec, March 26, 2009 – The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, and the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment, are proud to support Earth Hour 2009 on March 28 by reducing lighting in federally owned office buildings to help raise awareness of climate change.
"The Government of Canada's continued participation in Earth Hour is an indication of our commitment to being mindful consumers," said Minister Paradis. "As the custodian of one of the largest office building portfolios in the country, Public Works and Government Services Canada is committed to incorporating environmental practices into waste management, water conservation and the efficient use of energy in our buildings."
"Supporting Earth Hour is part of our commitment to help create a healthier environment for Canadians," said Minister Prentice. "Simple actions such as turning off the lights can help improve our environment and tackle climate change as well as empower Canadians to make important lifestyle changes that benefit their families and their environment. We encourage Canadians to take part in Earth Hour."
Earth Hour is a global symbolic event held annually to raise awareness of climate change. Since its introduction in 2007, support has grown to over 77 countries, promoting greater understanding about the need for reducing energy consumption around the globe.
Landmarks such as Parliament Hill, including the Peace Tower's clock face, will have little or no lighting between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on March 28. Canada wordmarks and decorative lighting on government buildings across the nation will also be switched off. For health and safety reasons, some lighting is required to remain on at all times. As this is the busiest time of the year for many federal employees (for instance those working on income tax returns or fiscal year-end files) lighting will be on in some office buildings.
Supporting Earth Hour 2009 complements the Government of Canada's commitment to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight the effects of climate change. The Government of Canada has introduced a series of programs to help Canadians take action through tax credits for public transit passes, incentives to get high-polluting vehicles off the road and promote use of sustainable transportation choices through the Retire Your Ride program, and home efficiency grants through the eco ENERGY retrofit program.
For more information on the Government of Canada's commitment to environmental issues, and to find out more about consumer incentive programs, visit www.ecoaction.gc.ca.
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For further information, please contact:
Mary-Ann Dewey-Plante
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Christian Paradis
Public Works and Government Services Canada
613-218-6961
E-mail: Mary-Ann.Dewey-Plante@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca
Frédéric Baril
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jim Prentice
Environment Canada
613-868-1128
E-mail: Frederic.Baril@ec.gc.ca
Media may also contact the following for further information:
Media Relations
Public Works and Government Services Canada
819-956-2315
