Location: Ministry Home > News > Minister's Speeches > Speech

Remarks prepared for:

The Honourable Laurel Broten
Minister of the Environment

Ontario’s Environmental Leaders Program Event

Trillium Health Centre
February 14, 2007
Time: 3:30 P.M.

(Check against delivery)

 

Good afternoon everyone.

Thank you Eric, for that kind introduction. I’m very glad to be here this afternoon.

I want to begin by congratulating all the capable people who work here on your acceptance into Ontario’s Environmental Leaders Program.

At the same time, I want to thank you.

You are our heroes on the frontline — there for us, for our children, our parents and grandparents in times of need.

There’s no underestimating the importance of this health care facility to our community; to our families and our neighbourhoods.

It’s where some of the most precious and meaningful moments of our lives take place …

This is where our babies are born.

It’s where we come for healing and for relief from pain and suffering.

This is where leading-edge surgeries and life-saving events occur every day.

You are the people we turn to in times of pain and times of joy.

Clearly, this spirit of compassion and involvement doesn’t begin and end with the delivery of excellent health care.

You recognize the vital connection between a clean, green environment and people’s health and wellbeing.

I had the opportunity to look at these wonderful displays showcasing your achievements as I came in. What you’ve accomplished at your facility is impressive.

The good work that’s been done on the mercury elimination program …

Your success in reducing waste … and conserving energy …

And right up front, is an achievement I’m particularly proud to recognize.

Trillium Health Centre is a member of Ontario’s Environmental Leaders Program.

The program is part of our government’s commitment to make Ontario an example to Canada and the world as a place where good business practices and environmental responsibility go hand-in-hand.

It also recognizes that you can’t take the lead without leaders.

Je sui particulièrement fière que Trillium est membre du Programme des chefs de file environnementaux de l’Ontario.

Ce programme s’inscrit dans le cadre de l’engagement de notre gouvernement de faire de l’Ontario une compétence qui donne l’exemple au Canada et au monde entier d’une parfaite harmonie entre les bonnes pratiques commerciales et la responsabilité environnementale.

De plus, ce programme reconnaît qu’il faut des chefs de file pour se classer parmi les premiers.

Trillium is the first health care facility in Ontario to be accepted into the program.

Our government sets a very high standard for recognition as an Environmental Leader.

As an innovator and advocate of “do no harm” you have not only met these high standards but are now setting your sights on going above and beyond them.

You have a strong track record of environmental achievement and a commitment to doing more.

You have a successful Environmental Management System in place.

You raise awareness in the community about your programs on behalf of the environment, and urge people to get involved.

And you have set ambitious goals to take your vision further.

Upon entering our program, Trillium set out three beyond-compliance targets

The first target is a 98 per cent reduction of mercury from its hospital facilities —to date 200 pounds have been eliminated.

You are working toward an additional 30 per cent diversion of waste by 2008 – and you’re on track to meet this goal. You’ve also committed to hold two mercury thermometer trade-in days — and I understand the first of these exchanges was held last December to terrific public response.

Today many more households have new, safe mercury-free thermometers thanks to your efforts.

As an Environmental Leader, Trillium Health Centre recognizes that building a healthy environment for patients, staff and the community dovetails completely with providing good health care ….

Just as it also dovetails with ensuring economic strength, creating tomorrow’s jobs and building a high quality of life for Ontarians.

People want to live and work in a safe, clean environment — and Trillium’s contribution not only to delivering quality health care but to building a sustainable environment is helping us attract jobs and investment to our province.

As Minister, I am proud to officially welcome the Trillium Health Centre to Ontario’s Environmental Leaders Program.

Trillium personifies the kind of individual commitment and leadership that Ontario needs. You set a wonderful example.

I want to encourage hospitals, public institutions and businesses across this great province of ours to also go above and beyond … aim to become an Ontario Environmental Leader and raise environmental protection to new heights.

We all share responsibility for a cleaner, greener, healthier Ontario.

We all share responsibility for building a better world for our children and all the generations of the future.

Now, I would like to present Trillium Heath Centre with this certificate as a respected Environmental Leader of Ontario.

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