Media Room News Releases and Advisories

News Release: Government of Canada Joins International Healthy Homes and Communities Partnership

JOHANNESBURG, September 3, 2002 - Canada is sharing its clean air expertise to improve health and the environment in developing countries. Canadian Environment Minister David Anderson today announced the Government of Canada will participate in the international "Healthy Homes and Communities" partnership led by the United States.

Announced at the World Summit on Sustainable Development, the partnership will work with developing countries to introduce cleaner vehicles, eliminate the use of leaded gasoline and reduce sulphur in diesel fuel and gasoline. It will also address the indoor air quality health risks linked to common cooking and heating practices in developing countries.

"This is a partnership for results on health and the environment," said Minister Anderson. "It is a practical approach that will help to cut the millions of premature deaths each year due to poor air quality. We have already taken many actions for cleaner fuels and cleaner vehicles in Canada. Now, we can share that experience and our expertise with partners around the world."

Canada participation in the partnership will centre on technical assistance and sharing information. That support will enable developing countries to meet the WSSD commitments on health and the environment, including cleaner fuels.

"This partnership builds on work that the nations of the Americas started at our meeting of health and environment ministers in Ottawa in March," Minister Anderson noted. "It fits with the growing collaboration between Canada and the United States to improve air quality for people on both sides of our common border. Adding to that work through this partnership is precisely the kind of result that we came to the World Summit on Sustainable Development to achieve."

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien led Canada's delegation to the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) during the High-Level Session. He is being supported by Environment Minister David Anderson, International Cooperation Minister Whelan and Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) (Francophonie) Denis Paradis. At WSSD, Canada is focusing on four key areas: health and environment; partnerships; African development; and international sustainable development governance.

-30-

For further information, media representatives may contact: