For Immediate Release
June 13, 2007

John Baird Recognizes Environmental Achievement of Frank Ryan Elementary School

(Ottawa) – John Baird, Member of Parliament for the riding of Ottawa West-Nepean, today held a belated celebration of Environment Week with a visit to Frank Ryan Catholic Elementary School.

Baird celebrated Environment Week by congratulating the students for their good environmental practices. Baird, also the federal Minister of the Environment, was out of the country with the Prime Minister during Environment Week helping advance Canada’s leadership role on the environment at the G8 meeting in Germany.

Baird used the event at Frank Ryan to present an award to the school for conceiving and implementing a recycling and composting strategy to help reduce waste at the school.  He lauded the efforts of the students and teachers for doing their part to help the environment. Baird, along with Michael Mirsky of Home Hardware, also presented each of the students and teachers with a compact fluorescent light bulb as a memento for their great work. 

“This is a great example of how every week can be Environment Week,” said Baird. “In this case it’s kids leading the way by being environmentally responsible at school.  This program not only helps the school reduce waste, but it also helps children build strong eco-friendly habits for the future.”

Eve Elliot, the teacher who coordinated the program, spoke positively of the students’ reaction to the program. “Children are eager to learn about the environment and what they can do to help. This strategy has helped them learn that everyone has to do their part to help make a difference.”

In addition to the certificate from Baird, other organizations were eager recognize the good work of the children. As mentioned, Home Hardware presented them with eco-efficient light bulbs. As well, Environment Canada provided bookmarks and wildflower seeds.  Tree Canada donated 100 seed kits to the school.

Photo: John Baird, MP for Ottawa West-Nepean and federal Environment Minister, along with Michael Mirsky of Home Hardware presented teachers and students of Frank Ryan Catholic Senior School with fluorescent light bulbs and a certificate of achievement for initiating a school-wide recycling and composting program to help reduce waste produced at the school.

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