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Prime Minister receives environmental think tank - Advancing the Environmental Agenda Award
September 29, 2003

The Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy (CIELAP) presented Prime Minister Chrétien with the Advancing the Environmental Agenda Award at a reception at the King Edward Hotel to mark the organization’s 33rd Anniversary.

“The CIELAP Board has closely monitored the debate on adopting the Kyoto Protocol. The Prime Minister took a bold and politically difficult stance in ratifying Kyoto. He held firm under persistent pressure from some provincial governments and many in the business sector. We believe he has shown real environmental leadership. These are the principle reasons we stand here tonight to present this Award,” said David Powell, CIELAP’s President.

The Prime Minister was presented with the inaugural CIELAP, Advancing the Environmental Agenda Award by CIELAP President David Powell. The handsome carving of a fish with endangered species emblazoned along the side, was handcrafted by Port Hope area artist, John Doherty. The depiction of endangered species was emblematic of the Federal Government recently giving Royal Assent to the Species at Risk Act.

Marjorie Lamb, a CIELAP Board Member, and MC for the evening, acknowledged the continuing and innovative work of Gilbert Parent, Canada's Ambassador for the Environment who spoke at the event. Ms Lamb noted, Mr. Parent’s position was one created by the Prime Minster.

The Executive Director of CIELAP, Anne Mitchell, thanked the many people in the room who over the past 33 years have contributed to helping CIELAP become an important voice in the promotion of effective and accountable environmental legal and policy frameworks, and environmental action.

It was noted that the Prime Minister is continuing his illustrious career of supporting environmental initiatives. When CIELAP was being formed, Mr Chrétien was the Minister of Indian and Northern Development, and was beginning to create 10 new National parks. The Prime Minster recently promised to repeat this outstanding contribution to Canadian nature protection by establishing 10 additional new National parks.


The Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy has for been commenting on and monitoring policy and regulatory changes related to the environment for 30 years.