For Immediate Release
March 5, 2007

John Baird Applauds Algonquin College for Green Initiatives

(OTTAWA) – In an attempt to become the first Canadian college to “go green”, Algonquin College welcomed Ottawa West-Nepean MP John Baird, for a tour of the college’s Woodroffe Campus. After a meeting with Algonquin College President Bob Gillett, Students’ Association President Joan Wright and student directors, the local Member of Parliament and Environment Minister applauded the cooperation and effort of the school’s administrators, students and private partners to help make the college’s environmental footprint a little smaller.

“It is inspiring to see this kind of cooperation,” said Minister Baird. “I congratulate your efforts and focus in working together to make this college more environmentally sustainable.”

Algonquin College recently partnered with Direct Energy to retrofit the school’s facilities to save energy. The initiative will see Algonquin College save $6 million over the next 10 years on energy related costs and bring the Students’ Association closer to its vision of an environmentally sustainable school. The Students’ Association is partnering with the college to create a comprehensive plan for implementation across the campus.

“Algonquin College is setting a tremendous example for homeowners, businesses and other schools on how to be a strong environmental leader in our community,” said Baird.

“Algonquin College and the Students’ Association collaborate on an ongoing basis to advance the College,” says Robert Gillett, President of Algonquin College. “Today we are pleased to initiate discussions with our Federal Minister of the Environment to advance an environmental plan for Algonquin.”

“Environmental issues are an ongoing theme with the Students of Algonquin College,” says Joan Wright, President of Algonquin College’s Students’ Association. “The Students’ Association is appreciative of this opportunity to discuss environmental issues with Minister Baird.”

The environmentally conscious programs on display included the College’s Green Architecture Program, the Water Waste Water Technician Program, the first of its kind in Canada, the ePublishing Program, the Forestry Technician Program, the Algonquin Perth Campus’ Advanced Carpentry Program and the Pembroke Campus’ Outdoor Adventure and Outdoor Adventure Naturalist Programs.

Further information:

Office of John Baird, MP
Ottawa West-Nepean
613-996-0984

Eric Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441