News Releases

2008

December

• Canada–U.S. Air Quality Agreement Demonstrates Successful Cooperation To Reduce Air Pollution

  Ottawa -- December 19, 2008 -– The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment, today announced the release of the Canada–United States Air Quality Agreement Progress Report 2008, demonstrating cooperative achievements with the United States in reducing air pollutant emissions that cause smog and acid rain.

• Canada’s Environment Minister Delivers National Statement at United Nations Climate Change Conference

  POZNAN -- December 11, 2008 -– The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment, today delivered Canada's national statement to delegates at the United Nations Climate Change Conference.

• Canada’s Minister of the Environment Jim Prentice responds to European Union Scientific Review Group Decision on Polar Bear Imports

  OTTAWA (Ontario) -- December 10, 2008 -- Canada’s Environment Minister, Jim Prentice today issued the following statement upon the release of the European Union Scientific Review Group’s decision on Polar Bear imports.

• Canada Signs Agreement For The Safe Management Of Harmful Chemicals In North America

  Ottawa -- December 9, 2008 -– Canada’s Environment Minister Jim Prentice, and his counterparts Stephen Johnson, Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and Environment Minister Juan Rafael Elvira Quesada of Mexico, have signed a joint Statement of Intent affirming their commitment to developing a regional framework for the safe management of harmful chemicals.

• Old Fort Seafoods Found Guilty and Fined a Total of $50,000,

  SEPT-ILES, Quebec -- December 5, 2008 -- Environment Canada announced that a Court of Quebec justice today found 4286804 Canada Inc. guilty under Part 7, Section 3 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.

• Ontario Weather Review - November 2008

  November 2008 -- The early sales of shovels and snow blowers may have brought a smile or two to some retailers in Ontario, what with significant snowfall making an abnormally early appearance.

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November

• Environment Minister Convenes Promised Polar Bear Roundtable

  OTTAWA, Ontario -- November 26, 2008 -– Canada’s Environment Minister Jim Prentice announced today that a national roundtable on the polar bear will be held on January 16, 2009 in Winnipeg to discuss the path forward in protecting this iconic species.

• Canada's Government Takes Further Action to Protect Important Ranch Lands in British Columbia

  Kamloops -- November 21, 2008 -– Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops – Thompson – Cariboo, on behalf of the Minister of the Environment, the Honourable Jim Prentice, today joined representatives from the Nature Conservancy of Canada in announcing the successful conservation of 31 square kilometres of important land on the Frolek Ranch, in British Columbia’s Thompson-Nicola valley.

• An Environment Canada Enforcement Blitz Leads to Convictions and Penalties against American Hunters

  SASKATOON, SK -– November 6, 2008 –- A joint Canada-United States wildlife enforcement investigation has resulted in five American hunters pleading guilty in a Provincial Court in Melfort, Saskatchewan to 21 counts of violations under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994.

• Ontario Weather Review - October 2008

  With summer now over, those warmer temperatures have cooled off to typical fall readings. A few locations reported temperatures significantly warmer than normal, but most of the province had near-normal temperatures. This is unlike last October, which was one of the warmest ever in portions of Ontario.

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October

• J.D. Irving Limited Pleads Guilty and Sentenced to Pay a $60,000 Penalty for Charges Laid Under the Federal Migratory Birds Convention Act

  BURTON, NB -- October 20, 2008 -- Today J.D. Irving Limited pleaded guilty in New Brunswick provincial court to charges laid by Environment Canada under the Migratory Birds Convention Act 1994.  The company was sentenced to pay a $60,000 penalty for contravening the Act by destroying eight Great Blue Heron nests during logging operations and disturbing an additional 17 nests causing the Herons to permanently leave their nests.  The company will also be required to create a buffer zone to prevent further forestry activity in the area where the nests were damaged.

• Government of Canada Protects Families With Bisphenol A Regulations

  OTTAWA, ON -- October 20, 2008 -- The Government of Canada today announced it will immediately proceed with drafting regulations to prohibit the importation, sale and advertising of polycarbonate baby bottles that contain bisphenol A (BPA).

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September

• Canada’s Environment Minister Congratulates Scientist Elected as Vice-Chair of IPCC Working Group

  OTTAWA (ON) -- September 4, 2008 -- Canada's Environment Minister, John Baird, today was pleased to announce that Dr. Francis Zwiers, Director of Environment Canada’s Climate Research Division, was elected as a vice-chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group I.  This important group assesses the physical scientific aspects of the climate system and climate change.

• MP Bezan Announces Deadline Extension for Lake Winnipeg Stewardship Fund

  GIMLI (MB) -- September 3, 2008 -- James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake, today was pleased to announce that due to overwhelming interest to help protect Lake Winnipeg, the deadline for project submissions to the Lake Winnipeg Stewardship Fund is being extended from September 1 to September 30th.

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August

• Canada’s Environment Minister Calls for National Roundtable on Polar Bears

  INUVIK (NWT) -- August 28, 2008 -- Canada’s Environment Minister John Baird today announced he will convene a national roundtable later this year dedicated to the conservation and protection of Canada’s polar bear population.

• Canada’s Government Supports Local Community Organization Delivering Real Action on the Environment

  LONDON, ON -- August 23, 2008 -- Canada’s Environment Minister John Baird announced an investment of $278,462 to the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority for The Thames River Aquatic Ecosystem Stewardship Initiative under the Habitat Stewardship Program.

• Canada’s Government Announces Protection for Arctic Wildlife Sanctuaries

  OTTAWA, ON -- August 22, 2008 -- Canada's Environment Minister John Baird, and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Acting President, James Eetoolook, today announced the establishment of three new National Wildlife Areas on and around Baffin Island, protecting local species and habitat including the bowhead whale.

• Feds Help Conserve Nova Scotia’s South Shore

  HALIFAX, NS -- August 13, 2008 -- Canada’s Environment Minister, John Baird, today joined Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margaret, representatives from the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and residents of Nova Scotia’s South Shore in announcing the successful conservation of important lands in Deep Cove, Nova Scotia. This is an achievement under the federal Government's Natural Areas Conservation Program.

• Baird Announces Another Step in Turning The Corner Plan to Cut Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions

  Ottawa, ON -- August 9, 2008 -- Canada’s Environment Minister, John Baird, today launched another important regulatory phase as part of the Government’s aggressive Turning the Corner Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gases.  Minister Baird released the first of three guides that will lead to creation this fall of Canada’s Offset System for Greenhouse Gases.

• Baird Hails Successful Conclusion to Elephant Ivory Smuggling Sting

  OTTAWA, ON -- August 7, 2008 -- Canada’s Environment Minister John Baird today congratulated Canadian and American enforcement officers for a big victory in the battle against international elephant ivory smuggling.

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July

• Government Takes Action to Protect Land in British Columbia: Conservation Area Almost Five Times the Size of Vancouver

  VANCOUVER, BC -- July 24, 2008 -- Canada’s Environment Minister John Baird, Member of Parliament for Kootenay -- Columbia Jim Abbott and representatives from the Nature Conservancy of Canada today jointly announced that more than 550 square kilometres of ecologically significant land will be conserved near Creston, British Columbia, including important habitat for local species and species at risk.

• Government Takes More Action to Protect Our Environment: 42 New Enforcement Officers on The Ground Across Canada

  OTTAWA,ON -- July 23, 2008 -– Canada’s Environment Minister John Baird today congratulated 42 new enforcement officers who completed basic enforcement training and are now ready to work across the country.

• Van Loan, Baird and Stanton Take More Action for Lake Simcoe Clean-Up

  ORILLIA, ON – JULY 18, 2008 –Minister Peter Van Loan, Member of Parliament for York-Simcoe and Government House Leader and Mr. Bruce Stanton, Member of Parliament for Simcoe-North, along with Canada’s Environment Minister John Baird, today announced the first group of projects to receive funding under the $30 million Lake Simcoe Clean-Up Fund.

• MP Van Loan Announces First Lake Simcoe Clean-Up Project; Part of Government of Canada’s Action Plan for Clean Water

  EAST GWILLIMBURY, ON -- JULY 11, 2008 -- The Hon. Peter Van Loan, MP for York-Simcoe and Government House Leader, on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister John Baird, today announced funding for the Holland Landing Riparian Planting project in East Gwillimbury.

• Government of Canada Bans More Harmful Chemicals More Action Taken Under Chemicals Management Plan

  OTTAWA, ON -- July 11, 2008 -– Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable John Baird, and the Minister of Health, the Honourable Tony Clement, announced today that the Government of Canada will publish final regulations to reduce the levels of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) that could be entering the environment.

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June

• Government Launches Credit for Early Action Program

  OTTAWA, ON -- June 29, 2008 -- The Government of Canada delivered more action today on its Turning the Corner Plan to cut Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions an absolute 20 per cent by 2020.

• Government of Canada Takes Action to Protect Important Land in Southern Alberta

  Rick Casson, Member of Parliament for Lethbridge today joined representatives from the Nature Conservancy of Canada and local ranchers of the Milk River Ridge in announcing the conservation of globally significant habitat in the foothills fescue grasslands of Alberta.

• Governments Take Action for Cleaner Air: Air Quality Alert System Launched in Saint John and Southern New Brunswick

  Veteran’s Affairs Minister Greg Thompson and New Brunswick Health Minister Michael Murphy today announced that the world’s first Air Quality Health Indexis now available to residents of Saint John, New Brunswick.

• Government Appoints Chair to the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy

  OTTAWA, ON -- June 17, 2008 -- Canada’s Minister of the Environment, John Baird, today announced the appointment of Robert Page as chair of the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE). This appointment is effective immediately.

• Government of Canada Invests More Than $677,000 in Wild Bird Conservation

  Canada’s Environment Minister, John Baird, and Canada’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration and Member of Parliament for Haldimand – Norfolk, Diane Finley, today announced $677,037 in funding to protect wild bird species at-risk, their nests and their habitat.

• Canada Concludes Negotiations for Free Trade, Labour Cooperation and Environment Agreements with Colombia

  Ottawa, ON -- June 7, 2008 -- The Honourable David Emerson, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, today announced the conclusion of free trade negotiations between Canada and Colombia. Agreement has also been reached on labour and environmental issues.

• Government Takes Action for Cleaner Air: Air Quality Alert System Expanded to 5.3 Million People Living in the Greater Toronto Area

  BURLINGTON, ON -– June 6, 2008 -– Mike Wallace, Member of Parliament for Burlington, on behalf ofCanada’s Environment Minister John Baird, and Health Minister Tony Clement, today announced that the world’s first Air Quality Health Index is being expanded to six communities in the Greater Toronto Area.

• Government of Canada Announces $5 Million for Weather Station and Conservation on Sable Island

  WOLFVILLE, Nova Scotia. June 5, 2008. — Canada’s Environment Minister, John Baird, today announced $5 million in new funding for five years for a weather station and conservation on Sable Island, a unique and treasured ecosystem for Nova Scotians and Canadians.

• Government of Canada Signs Environmental Cooperation Agreement With Atlantic Provinces

  WOLFVILLE, NS -- June 6, 2008 -- The Government of Canada entered into a memorandum of understanding on environmental co-operation today with the Atlantic provinces at the conclusion of the two-day Atlantic Council of Environment Ministers meeting. 

• Governments Take Action for Cleaner Air: Air Quality Alert System Now Permanent for British Columbians

  Vancouver, BC -- June 6, 2008 -– Ed Fast, Member of Parliament for Abbotsford, on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister John Baird and Health Minister Tony Clement, today announced that the National Air Quality Health Index pilot is moving from a pilot program to full implementation. This air quality alert system will now be available in 14 locations across the province.

• Government of Canada and Clean Air Join Forces to get Gas-Guzzlers Off the Road

  OTTAWA, ON -- June 4, 2008 –- Canada's Environment Minister, John Baird, today was joined by the Clean Air Foundation to launch a National Vehicle Scrappage Program, which will offer incentives to people who retire their 1995 or older model vehicles.

• Canada Celebrates Clean Air Day

  OTTAWA, ON -- June 4, 2008 -- Canada’s Environment and Health Ministers, John Baird and Tony Clement today delivered a Clean Air Day message by encouraging Canadians to do their part for Canada’s environment, and highlighting the measures being taken by the Government of Canada.

• Canada’s Environment Minister Celebrates Canadian Environment Week

  OTTAWA, ON -- June 2, 2008 -– Canada’s Environment Minister, John Baird, today launched this year’s Canadian Environment Week (June 1-7) and World Environment Day (June 5) by challenging Canadians to do more to protect and preserve Canada’s environment.

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May

• Baird and Fortier Celebrate Launch of Montreal Climate Exchange

  MONTREAL, QC -- May 30, 2008 -- Canada's Environment Minister, John Baird, and the Minister Responsible for the Greater Montreal Area, Michael M. Fortier, joined with the Montreal Exchange's Board of Directors today to celebrate the official opening of the Montreal Climate Exchange, Canada's first carbon market.

• Government of Canada Investigating Ottawa River Sewage Discharge

  OTTAWA, ON -- May 29, 2008 -- Canada’s Environment Minister, John Baird, announced today that the Government of Canada is investigating the discharge of 960,000 cubic metres of raw sewage and storm water into the Ottawa River in the summer of 2006.

• Government Invests $600,000 in Protecting and Conserving the St. Lawrence through Four ZIP Committees

  Gatineau, QC -- May 23, 2008 -- The Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, on behalf of the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment, today announced the renewal of contribution agreements totalling $600,000 with four of the fourteen ZIP (areas of prime concern) committees in Quebec.

• Government Invests $750,000 in Protecting and Conserving the St. Lawrence through Five ZIP Committees

  Jonquière, Quebec, May 23, 2008 - The Minister of Labour and the Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, on behalf of the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment, today announced the renewal of contribution agreements totalling $750,000 with five of the fourteen ZIP (areas of prime concern) committees in Quebec.

• Government Invests $850,000 in Protecting and Conserving the St. Lawrence through Five ZIP Committees

  Quebec City, QC -- May 23, 2008--- The Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Quebec Region, the Honourable Josée Verner, on behalf of the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment, today announced the renewal of contribution agreements withfive of the fourteen ZIP (area of prime concern) committees in Quebec.

• Ministers Baird and Ritz Celebrate 2008 International Day for Biological Diversity

  OTTAWA, ON -- May 22, 2008 -- Canada’s Environment Minister, John Baird, and Canada’s Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Gerry Ritz, today marked the 2008 International Day for Biological Diversity by highlighting Canada’s achievements in protecting the diversity of life and using biological resources sustainably.

• Canadian Hurricane Centre Ready to Face 2008 Atlantic Hurricane Season

  HALIFAX, NS, May 22, 2008 – Environment Canada’s Canadian Hurricane Centre is making sure that Canadians are prepared for another active year for hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean.

• Strahl Announces Improvements to BC’s Early Warning System: Tsunami Warnings to Protect the Safety of British Columbians

  VANCOUVER, May 22, 2008 – The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians today announced that the Government of Canada is taking further action to protect the safety of British Columbians by adding a Tsunami warning and watch to the Weatheradio system for Vancouver Island.

• Government Takes More Action Under Groundbreaking Chemicals Management Plan

  OTTAWA, ON -- May 16, 2008 -- The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, and the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment, today released preliminary findings for 16 chemical substances identified as high priorities for action under Batch 2 of the Chemicals Management Plan.

• Latest Greenhouse Gas Data Shows Canada’s Emissions Decreased in 2006

  OTTAWA, ON - May 16, 2008 – As part of its international obligations, the Government of Canada submitted today its annual national greenhouse gas inventory for 2006 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

• Minister Baird and Secretary Kempthorne Hold Bilateral Meeting

  OTTAWA, ON -- May 8, 2008 -- Canada’s Minister of the Environment, John Baird, held a bilateral meeting earlier today with U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Dirk Kempthorne.  The Minister and Secretary were also joined by the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Mary Simon, as well as a number of officials from both countries.

• Baird Welcomes Appointment of new Environment Commissioner

  OTTAWA, ON –- May 7, 2008 -– Canada’s Environment Minister John Baird, today welcomed the announcement by Auditor General Sheila Fraser of the new Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, Mr. Scott Vaughan.

• Ministers Clement and Baird Recognize World Asthma Day and Asthma Awareness Month

  OTTAWA, ON -- May 6, 2008 -– Canada’s Health and Environment Ministers, Tony Clement and John Baird, issued the following statement today on World Asthma Day, in recognition of the month of May as Asthma Awareness Month.

• Government Takes Action to Watch Red River Water Levels: Upgrades to Local Monitoring Station to Help Protect our Communities

  SELKIRK, MB –- May 2, 2008 -- Member of Parliament James Bezan and Selkirk MLA Greg Dewar, on behalf of Minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro Greg Selinger, announced today an investment of $40 000 to establish and upgrade water monitoring equipment along the Red River in Selkirk.

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April

• Government Plans to Allow a Limited Exemption for the Use of Leaded Gasoline in Competition Vehicles

  OTTAWA, ON -- April 28, 2008 -- Canada ’s Environment Minister, John Baird, today announced that the Government intends to support the racing industry in Canada by granting an exemption from the Gasoline Regulations until January 1, 2010.

• Government of Canada Brings in Tough new Emission Standards on Smog-Producing Chemicals

  OTTAWA, ON -- April 26, 2008 -- Canada’s Environment Minister, John Baird, today announced the Government of Canada is taking action to reduce emissions from chemicals that contribute to smog in consumer and commercial products such as paints, varnishes, adhesives and vehicle repair cleaners.

• Canada’s Environment Minister Responds to Status Assessment of Polar Bears

  OTTAWA, ON -- April 25, 2008 -- Canada's Environment Minister, John Baird, commented today on the assessment by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) on the Polar Bear. The Committee announced a status assessment of “special concern”, much as it did in 1991, 1999, and 2002.

• Government Commits to Clean-up St. Lawrence Seaway Contaminated Site

  St. Catharines, Ontario, April 24, 2008 – Rick Dykstra, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, on behalf of the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment, today announced the Government of Canada’s intention to clean-up the contaminated Surplus St. Lawrence Seaway property in St. Catharines.

• Government of Canada Takes Action to Clean-Up the Niagara River

  FORT ERIE, ON -- April 23, 2008 –- The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Dean Allison, Member of Parliament for Niagara West-Glanbrook, and Rick Dykstra, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines announced today that the Government of Canada is investing up to $2.9 million to clean up the Niagara River.

• Canada’s Environment Minister Celebrates Earth Day

  OTTAWA, ON -- April 22, 2008 -- Canada’s Environment Minister, John Baird, issued the following statement on the occasion of Earth Day: “When it comes to our environment, Canadians have much to celebrate and to be proud of.  Earth Day provides all of us with an opportunity to learn more about the simple initiatives that we can all incorporate into our daily routines to help keep our environment clean, healthy and safe.”

• Government of Canada Takes Action to Protect Important Land in West Quebec

  CLARENDON, Quebec, April 17, 2008 – On behalf of Environment Minister John Baird, Canada’s Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and the Member of Parliament for Pontiac, the Hon. Lawrence Cannon, today joined representatives from the Nature Conservancy of Canada in announcing the purchase and preservation of important land in West Quebec in the Ottawa Valley.

• Canada’s Environment Minister Encourages Canadians to Take Part in National Wildlife Week

  OTTAWA, ON -- April 10, 2008 -– Canada’s Environment Minister, John Baird, marked National Wildlife Week 2008 by inviting Canadians to learn more about how they can get involved in protecting the wildlife around them.

• Baird and Miller Deliver Water Quality Improvement Project in the Huron-Kinloss Township

  Owen Sound, ON -- April 4, 2008 –- Canada’s Environment Minister John Baird was joined today by Larry Miller, Member of Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, to announce funding of up to $58,550 to the Pine River Watershed Project as part of the EcoAction Community Funding Program.

• MP Comuzzi Delivers: Government Funds Local Group to Help Clean up Peninsula Harbour

  OTTAWA, Ontario, April 3, 2008 – Joe Comuzzi, Member of Parliament for Thunday Bay-Superior North, on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister, John Baird, today announced $250,000 for EcoSuperior Environmental Programs to help develop a strategy to cleanup sediment in Peninsula Harbour. Peninsula Harbour, one of the polluted hot spots on the Great Lakes, is located on the northeastern shore of Lake Superior between Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay.

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March

• Government of Canada joins Earth Hour: Peace Tower clock face to go dark

  Gatineau, Quebec — March 28, 2008 – The Honourable Michael M Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment, are pleased to announce this Saturday the Government will participate in Earth Hour, a global event to raise awareness of climate change.

• Baird and Lunney Take Action to Help Clean-up Nanoose Bay

  NANAIMO, British Columbia, March 27, 2008 – Canada’s Environment Minister, John Baird and the local Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Alberni, Dr. James Lunney, today announced $20,000 to help clean up Nanoose Bay.

• Canada’s Environment and Fisheries Ministers Celebrate World Water Day

  OTTAWA, March 20, 2008 – Canada’s Environment Minister John Baird and Fisheries and Oceans Minister Loyola Hearn today issued the following statement celebrating World Water Day 2008, which will be observed on Saturday, March 22.

• Federal Charges Laid Against the Canadian National Railway Company (CN) for Wabamun Lake Spill

  EDMONTON, AB - March 18, 2008 – Environment Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada have laid three charges against the Canadian National Railway Company (CN) under the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 and the federal Fisheries Act.

• Major Step Forward for Proposed World Leading Ethanol Refinery in Canada

  Canada’s Environment Minister John Baird is pleased to announce that Iogen Corporation’s application for funding for Canada’s first commercial scale cellulosic ethanol production facility has progressed to the due diligence phase.

• Baird and Fortier Welcome Carbon Market Announcement by Montreal Climate Exchange

  Canada's Environment Minister, John Baird, and the Regional Minister for Montreal, Michael M. Fortier, commented today on the announcement by the Montreal Climate Exchange that it intends to move ahead with launching trading on Canada's first carbon market, subject to regulatory approval.

• Winnipeg Company Charged Under Federal Wildlife Legislation

  Winnipeg, MB – March 12, 2008 – Environment Canada has laid fourteen charges against Jayson Daeninck and Saltwater Connection, of Winnipeg, for allegedly importing protected wildlife species from Indonesia without a permit, in contravention of Canada’s Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act.

• Canada's Environment Minister Named World Economic Forum Young Global Leader for 2008

  OTTAWA - March 11, 2008 - Canada's Environment Minister John Baird today was named one of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders for 2008.  Minister Baird is among 245 leading executives, public figures and intellectuals from around the world under the age of 40 awarded this honour in 2008.

• Government Delivers Details of Greenhouse Gas Regulatory Framework

  OTTAWA, March 10, 2008 – The Government of Canada today published details of the Turning the Corner regulatory framework originally announced on April 26, 2007.

• Statement - Environment Minister Comments on Commissioner’s Report

  OTTAWA – March 6, 2008 – Canada’s Environment Minister, John Baird, today commented on the Report of the Commissioner of the Environment, presented earlier today.

• Environment Canada's Spring Forecast

  Ottawa, March 6, 2008 – Environment Canada is predicting that much of Western Canada will experience colder temperatures this spring season.

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February

• Canada, Saskatchewan and The Nature Conservancy: Working Together to Protect Saskatchewan’s Natural Treasures

  REGINA, Saskatchewan, February 29, 2008 – Canada’s Environment Minister John Baird, was joined by Saskatchewan Environment Minister Nancy Heppner, and Lyle Saigeon from the Nature Conservancy of Canada where they announced the protection of important habitat on the Big Valley Property in the Qu’Appelle Valley region of Saskatchewan. Today's announcement is part of the Government of Canada’s $225 million Natural Areas Conservation Program.

• Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan Work Together to Protect Species At Risk

  REGINA, February 29, 2008 – Canada’s Environment Minister, John Baird, and Saskatchewan’s Minister of the Environment, Nancy Heppner, today announced the signing of an agreement between the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan to ensure the province-wide protection and recovery of species at risk.

• Government Of Canada Takes Action to Clean Up the St. Clair River

  SARNIA, Ontario, February 23, 2008 – Canada’s Environment Minister, John Baird, and Pat Davidson, Member of Parliament for Sarnia-Lambton, announced today that the Government of Canada is investing up to $3.3 million to clean up the St. Clair River.

• MP Kramp and Norlock Deliver: Government Takes Action to Help Protect the Bay of Quinte

  Trenton, Ontario, February 22, 2008 – Darryl Kramp, Member of Parliament for Prince Edward—Hastings and Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland–Quinte West, on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister John Baird, announced today that the Government of Canada is investing up to $200,000 to help protect and preserve the Bay of Quinte.

• MP Watson Delivers: Government Takes Action to Help Clean Up the Detroit River

  Windsor, Ontario, February 21, 2008 – Jeff Watson, Member of Parliament for Essex, on behalf of the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment, announced today that the Government of Canada is investing up to $600,000 to help clean up the Detroit River.

• Government of Canada’s Action Plan for Clean Water Delivers $30 Million to Clean Up Lake Simcoe

  BARRIE, Ontario, February 16, 2008 – Canada’s Environment Minister John Baird, and the Honourable Peter Van Loan, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic Reform, today announced new, long-term funding to preserve and protect the environment of Lake Simcoe.

• Government Takes Action to Ensure Clean Water for Canadians: Phosphates in Detergents to be Heavily Restricted

  Montreal, Quebec, February 15, 2008 – The Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment and the Honourable Michael M. Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, today announced action on restricting the level of phosphates in laundry and dishwasher detergent.

• Registration for the Fall Greater Snow Goose Hunt at the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area

  QUEBEC CITY, February 7, 2008 – Environment Canada’s Canadian Wildlife Service wishes to inform hunters that they can now register for the draw for the Greater Snow Goose hunt at the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area in the fall of 2008.

• Ministers Verner and Baird Take Action to Ensure the Future of the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area

  Quebec City, February 6, 2008 – The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, and Minister responsible for the Region of Quebec, on behalf of the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment, announced today that our Government has taken action and intends to continue to fund and provide services to visitors and hunters at the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area.

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January

• New Appointments to the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy

  OTTAWA, January 28, 2008 – Canada’s Environment Minister John Baird today announced the appointment of Anthony Dale and Elizabeth Brubaker to the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE). These appointments are effective immediately.

• US and Canada Sign Agreement to Work Together on Weather and Climate Research

  NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, UNITED STATES, January 22, 2008 – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Environment Canada yesterday signed a cross-border agreement to enhance weather and climate monitoring and research.

• Vancouver Company Convicted in Queen Conch Case, Fined $78,000

  Vancouver, January 08, 2008 - Environment Canada’s Wildlife Enforcement Division announced today that on January 4, 2008, Pacific Marine Union Corporation of Vancouver, British Columbia entered a guilty plea in Vancouver Provincial Court to two counts under the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA) and was fined a total of $78,566.94 – of which $10,000 will be paid into the Environmental Damages Fund.

• Canada's Environment Minister Responds to NRTEE Report

  Canada's Environment Minister John Baird today commented on the report provided by the National Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE) titled "Getting to 2050: Canada's Transition to a Low-emission Future".

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