Earth Hour Tonight
Bruce Hyer: Canadians to Send Message with Earth Hour
MP’s landmark Climate Change Bill to face final showdown in House of Commons
Earth - image from www.hd-wallpaper.org
THUNDER BAY – Earth Hour is about much more than just saving electricity for an hour.” said Hyer “Last year, over 10 million Canadians voted with their light switches to send a message: that we need politicians to stop delaying action on climate change. Many still haven’t got the message. So this year, even more of us will take a stand to tell Parliament we need action.” – New Democrat Deputy Environment Critic Bruce Hyer encouraged Canadians to participate in the fourth annual Earth Hour today.
“Earth Hour started as a World Wildlife Fund campaign in 2007 to raise public awareness of action needed to combat dangerous climate change. Participation in the event has grown from just over 2 million in its first year to over 1 billion worldwide in 2009. More than 300 Canadian cities and municipalities are to take part, including many in Northwest Ontario. In Thunder Bay, city council passed a motion encouraging businesses and households to turn off their non-essential lights, and a moonlight stroll is scheduled at Centennial Park at 8:15pm.
Hyer added “Within weeks, my private member’s bill, C-311(Click to view Bill) the Climate Change Accountability Act, will be up for a final vote in the House of Commons. The bill compels the government to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas pollution, and enacts measures to ensure regular reporting and accountability to Canadians on climate change. I hope that Members of Parliament will support action rather than the status quo, and I will be talking to many of them to ensure they make the right choice for future generations.” Hyer’s bill remains Canada’s only federal climate change legislation.
New Democrat Leader Jack Layton said “Earth Hour proves that ordinary people can make simple changes to reduce energy use to create a sustainable future.”
Layton continued “It is clear that Canadians are engaged. They are choosing hope for a clean energy future. It’s only fair that they demand the government do its part as well. New Democrats will continue the fight on their behalf to make sure we bestow a healthy, sustainable and prosperous Canada for future generations.”
Earth Hour will take place from 8:30pm to 9:30pm local time. More than 90 countries around the world are expected to participate.
For more information, please contact: Andy Blair tel. 613-996-4792 613-996-4792
Links in this Press Release provided courtesy of www.OntarioNewsNorth.com
