For Immediate Release
April 22, 2008

Baird and Pinecrest Public School celebrate Earth Day with over 400 trees

OTTAWA –  Canada’s Environment Minister and Member of Parliament for Ottawa West-Nepean, John Baird, celebrated Earth Day with students at Pinecrest Public School in Ottawa. On a recent visit to the school, the students’ eco-initiatives impressed Mr. Baird enough to come back with a special gift for each student – 447 baby saplings.

“Each of these tiny saplings symbolically represents the effect that every one of us can have on our environment. It’s hard to believe that something so small can play such an important role in keeping Canada green and beautiful,” said Mr. Baird. “Our Government shares the passion Canadians have for the environment, and I’m pleased to be able to share Earth Day with the students and staff at Pinecrest Public School, who have clearly demonstrated that they care about our environment.”

“On this Earth Day, let us all reflect on protecting the natural beauty and wonder of our environment and celebrate that we live in one of the most environmentally diverse countries in the world,” concluded Mr. Baird.

Students were given the option of bringing their trees home to plant, or to plant them in a designated greenspace at the school, which the students call “Pinecrest Forest.”

Further information:
Office of John Baird, MP
Ottawa West-Nepean
613-996-0984