OTTAWA, Ont. -- June 4, 2009 -- Manitobans living in the Winnipeg area can now use a new health tool that will help protect them and their families against the harmful impacts of air pollution.
The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) provides Canadians with a personal health protection tool that allows them to better understand the quality of the air they breathe.
"I am pleased that the Government of Manitoba is adopting the Air Quality Health Index, the world's first health-based air quality communications tool," said the Honourable Vic Toews, Regional Minister for Manitoba. "This index allows Manitobans to take steps to protect themselves from the negative effects of air pollution."
The AQHI provides current and forecast information to Canadians about the quality of the air they are breathing.
"Manitoba has good air quality, but it's important for people to have information they can use to make decisions about their health," said Stan Struthers, Minister of Conservation for Manitoba. "We're pleased to partner with the federal government to launch this new service in Winnipeg."
Reduction of air pollution is the key component to keeping Canada's air clean. Vehicle emissions remain a major contributor of greenhouse gases and air pollution. To address this issue, the Government of Canada will establish stringent regulated standards to limit tailpipe carbondioxide emissions. We will also be moving forward with regulations to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from everyday consumer products, such as paint. In addition, through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government is investing $10 million to improve annual reporting on key environmental indicators such as clean air, clean water and greenhouse gas emissions.
The AQHI is the result of a strong partnership between the Government of Canada, provincial and municipal governments, and key stakeholder groups. The AQHI has already become a useful guide for thousands of Canadians that suffer from heart conditions, asthma and other respiratory illnesses.
The AQHI can be found online at www.airhealth.ca or www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca .
For information about the Manitoba Lung Association you may call
Toll Free: 1-888-566-5864 or visit www.mb.lung.ca/ .
For more information, please contact:
Frédéric Baril
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441
Josée Bellemare
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
Environment Canada Media Relations
(819) 934-8008
1-888-908-8008
Health Canada Media Relations
(613) 957-2983
Related document :
The New Air Quality Health Index: How Air Pollution Affects Your Health Fact Sheet [ Backgrounder, 2009-05-22 ]
