Elizabeth May Statement on Earth Day

OTTAWA – Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada, issued the following statement on Earth Day:

“Today, people around the world come together to celebrate Earth Day. We are reminded that the defense of our environment is interconnected with many other goals – improving the health of Canadians, creating jobs, and increasing economic stability.

“I remember helping to organize the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. At that time, I worked to raise awareness regarding environmental issues, including the impacts of DDT, phosphates, and acid rain on our ecosystem.

“Today, as we face the growing threat of climate change, I am hopeful we can still take action to mitigate its impacts. Let us face this challenge together, and leave a better world for future generations.”

Bruce Hyer, Deputy Leader of the Green Party of Canada, continued:

“Earth Day is an opportunity for all Canadians to reflect on what we can do to preserve the environment. When I helped coordinate the first Earth Day in 1970, I was told that banning DDTs and other toxic chemicals could not be done, yet we surpassed all expectations – The Earth Day rally was a critical step towards the eventual banning of DDT, which I played a key role in as Senior Policy Advisor for Connecticut’s Environmental Protection Agency.

“Today, we face a different challenge in climate change. It is apparent, now more than ever, how interconnected healthcare, the economy and the environment are to each other. Yet, I am encouraged to see how Canadians have come together to pressure our governments to take the threat of climate change seriously and act accordingly.”