(OTTAWA) - Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada, issued the following statement on Earth Day.
“Today, people around the world come together to celebrate Earth Day. We are reminded that the defense of our environment is interconnected with many other goals – improving the health of Canadians, creating jobs, and increasing economic stability.
“I remember helping to organize the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. At that time, I worked to raise awareness regarding environmental issues, including the impacts of DDT, phosphates, and acid rain on our ecosystem.
“Today, as we face the growing threat of climate change, I am hopeful we can still take action to mitigate its impacts. Let us face this challenge together, and leave a better world for future generations.”
Bruce Hyer, Deputy Leader of the Green Party of Canada, continued:
“Earth Day is an opportunity for all Canadians to reflect on what we can do to preserve the environment. When I helped coordinate the first Earth Day in 1970, I was told that banning DDTs and other toxic chemicals could not be done, yet we surpassed all expectations – The Earth Day rally was a critical step towards the eventual banning of DDT, which I played a key role in as Senior Policy Advisor for Connecticut’s Environmental Protection Agency.
“Today, we face a different challenge in climate change. It is apparent, now more than ever, how interconnected healthcare, the economy and the environment are to each other. Yet, I am encouraged to see how Canadians have come together to pressure our governments to take the threat of climate change seriously and act accordingly.”
-30-
For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Julian Morelli
Director of Communications
Green Party of Canada
cell: (613) 614 4916
office: (613) 562 4916 (224)
julian.morelli@greenparty.ca