The following statement was read today by the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize April 22 as Earth Day. This year’s theme is ‘Restore Our Planet’.

As our climate changes, we are working to preserve our environment, coastal and protected areas, and to reduce waste in Newfoundland and Labrador. We can all do our part to protect our land, air and waters, while preserving spaces that we cherish in our communities.

Mr. Speaker, our government is moving forward with innovative technologies and initiatives in our province to adapt to the effects of climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We have committed to net-zero emissions by 2050 and we have taken action on 43 of the 45 items in our Climate Change Action Plan. Our plan will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, stimulate clean innovation and growth, and build resilience to climate change impacts. We were pleased to see increased investments in the federal budget for a green economy to support our efforts in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Our government has announced six programs for energy efficiency and fuel switching. By 2030, these programs are anticipated to deliver 830,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas reductions. We are also working to convert schools and municipal and provincial public buildings from oil heat to electric heat and improve energy efficiency.

On Earth Day and every day, we can all be environmental stewards. We share a responsibility to protect our environment for future generations by making greener choices every day.

Thank you.