For Immediate Release
April 22, 2007

John Baird celebrates Earth Day at Lakeview Public School

(Ottawa) – John Baird, celebrated Earth Day today with students, parents and teachers of Lakeview Public School by planting new trees in the school yard.

Baird, Member of Parliament for the riding of Ottawa West-Nepean and federal Minister of the Environment, shared his thoughts of the occasion with the Lakeview Public School community, “Earth Day is a great opportunity to reflect and be proud of what we’ve accomplished and to think about how we can all continue to work to protect our environment,” said Baird.  “The trees we planted here today are a great example of a concrete action that all Canadians can take, right in their own backyard, to help improve the air we breathe.” 

Baird was joined by Michael Rosen, President of Tree Canada, a not-for-profit organization that encourages Canadians to plant and care for trees. According to the organization, an average Canadian tree will capture between 200 and 225 kg of carbon over an 80-year period.

“Tree Canada is most pleased to be celebrating Earth Day, and to be part of this school ground greening initiative. Schoolyards have always been a top priority for us, because by greening them we provide our children with exciting natural spaces for learning and playing”, says Michael Rosen, President of Tree Canada.  

Baird took the opportunity to encourage the community to get involved in fighting climate change at home and to teach their children about the importance of clean air.  “Canada’s New Government is serious about tackling climate change and protecting the air we breathe, but we know we can’t do it alone,” said Baird.  “Taking steps at home and teaching our children to protect the environment will be the key to securing a healthier future for all Canadians.”

Photo: John Baird, MP, celebrates Earth Day by planting a tree with the students of Lakeview Public School in Ottawa.

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

Michael R. Rosen, R.P.F., President
Tree Canada
613-567-5545 ext 222
Cell: 613-290-3665

Jane Fawcett, Principal
Lakeview Public School
613-828-8077