May 14, 2004

Representatives of the Government of Manitoba, City of Winnipeg, Resource Conservation Manitoba and Manitoba Hydro today encouraged Manitobans to do their part to address climate change by taking part in the upcoming 2004 Commuter Challenge. Last year, Winnipeg placed first among major Canadian cities in the event.

Energy, Science and Technology Minister Tim Sale and Healthy Living Minister Jim Rondeau were joined at a pre-event launch today by Liz Dykman, president, board of directors, Resource Conservation Manitoba, Point Douglas Councillor Mike Pagtakhan and Bob Brennan, president and CEO of Manitoba Hydro.

Resource Conservation Manitoba’s fifth annual event, supported with $25,000 from the Province of Manitoba, invites people to park their automobiles and use alternate forms of transportation from May 31 to June 4. Manitobans are encouraged to sign up for the challenge at http://www.resourceconservation.mb.ca or by calling 204-925-3772.

"The solution to climate change comes from individual Manitobans who take the responsibility and the challenge of making a difference to our environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions," said Sale. "I encourage all Manitobans to contribute to a healthier environment and a better future by taking the commuter challenge."

"Biking, rollerblading and walking are fun ways to match fitness and transportation," said Rondeau. "I join all our partners in this initiative in inviting Manitobans to take the challenge and help themselves to healthier living and a healthier environment."

Last year, commuters from 150 workplaces and schools walked, cycled, carpooled and took transit. That equals about 400,000 green kilometres and prevented an estimated 125 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

"We are proud to be co-ordinating the fifth annual Commuter Challenge," said Dykman. "The event sends a positive message to our community about the environmental, social and economic benefits of adopting alternatives to the single occupant vehicle."

The City of Winnipeg and Winnipeg Transit have been partners and active participants in the Commuter Challenge from its beginning. Their combined support of this year’s event is equivalent to $30,000 in financial and in-kind contributions.

"The Commuter Challenge is an important event in raising awareness of the importance of creating a safe, convenient and friendly environment that makes commuting using alternative forms of transportation an option for every working person every working day of every year," said Pagtakhan.

Manitoba Hydro has been a planning partner, sponsor and workplace participant in the Commuter Challenge since 2001.

"Our participation in the Commuter Challenge is an important component of Manitoba Hydro’s transportation demand management programming," said Brennan. "I am proud to announce that Manitoba Hydro has won gold in the 1,000 plus employee category for the past two years, and we are gearing up to finish in first place again this year."

Recently the Province of Manitoba introduced the Climate Change Community Challenge, a new three-year pilot project to help find solutions to climate change and support local efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. More information is available at http://www.gov.mb.ca/est/climatechange/index.html.

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