Minister's Speech

House Statement by:

The Honourable John Gerretsen
Minister of the Environment

Earth Week
Monday, April 21, 2008 

(Check against delivery)

Mr. Speaker, this is Earth Week.

At the heart of Earth Week is the fundamental realization that this planet is home to us all and we all share a responsibility to care for it.

In the face of the immense environmental challenge of climate change,
Earth Week is taking on more significance and importance every year.

We know that climate change will affect every nation in the world.

We are moved to act not only for ourselves, for our health and wellbeing … but even more so for the sake of our children and grandchildren … people who have no say in the actions we take today, but will inherit the results of those actions.

From young to old, Ontarians across our province are taking steps to help our environment during Earth Week and beyond.

Our government understands that it is at the community grassroots level where involvement leads to real action and measurable results.

That is why we are investing in the great work that is being done by Ontarians at the local community level.

This year, Mr. Speaker, we are providing $2.6 million to support 24 community-based greenhouse gas reductions projects across the province.

The support is coming from our Community Go Green Fund, a four-year, $6.6 million program. Every program is designed to meet the local needs of the community and to help people reduce their carbon footprint.

Mr. Speaker, in honour of Earth Week, I’d like to highlight some of these programs today.

Here in the Greater Toronto Area, Foodshare is developing a pilot project called “Putting Our Best Food Forward”. 

This project will result in the planting of organic food gardens and a composting program to promote sustainable food practices in 10 primary and secondary schools across Toronto.

In Waterloo, “Reduce the Juice” is a youth-led community initiative to encourage vehicle owners to pledge their commitment to reduce idling, and surveys will measure action and greenhouse gas reductions. 

In Woodstock, “Forests for Life” is a community tree-planting program for youth and developmentally-challenged volunteers focusing on the importance of greenhouse gas reduction and energy conservation through a healthy tree canopy.

These are just a few of the community groups who are taking action and making a difference. And our government is proud to support them.

In my own ministry, we are dedicated to Project Green, with the goal of being the greenest government ministry … from using renewable energy through Bullfrog Power … to enhanced recycling efforts … to video-conferencing … to purchasing more hybrid vehicles for our fleet … we are leading by example.

Mr. Speaker, since 2003, our government has made environmental stewardship a key priority.

We have set ambitious targets for greenhouse gas reductions … six per cent below 1990 levels by 2014 … 15 per cent by 2020.  And we are taking action.

We protected the Greenbelt  … 1.8 million acres of land around the GTA …

We have set tough regulations and limits for the largest industrial sources of smog-causing emissions …

And Mr. Speaker, just recently Premier McGuinty announced the creation of Ontario’s Next Generation of Jobs Fund. It will provide $1.15 billion for companies, institutions and individuals to encourage innovation and the invention of green technologies   

We are working on many different fronts to protect our environment.

We have taken actions that some might say were difficult … if not impossible.

But we did them because it was the right thing to do.  And we will continue to be aggressive and ambitious about our environmental stewardship.

On Earth Day tomorrow, I encourage all Ontarians to reflect on how they can, as individuals, in their communities and in their businesses, do the right thing for our environment.

When we all do our part … we build a brighter future for our Earth and for our children’s children.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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