June 17, 2004

Winnipeg demonstrated its green spirit during the national commuter challenge, placing first among major Canadian cities in the event. Province of Manitoba employees also won first place in the category for workplaces with over 3,000 employees.

Energy, Science and Technology Minister Tim Sale and Healthy Living Minister Jim Rondeau today congratulated organizers, citizens of Winnipeg and provincial government employees for their participation.

Resource Conservation Manitoba’s fifth annual event, supported with $25,000 from the Province of Manitoba, invited people to park their automobiles and use alternate forms of transportation from May 31 to June 4.

"Again this year, Manitobans have taken the challenge and come up winners by finding individual ways to make a difference to our environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Sale. "I encourage all Manitobans to further contribute to a healthier environment and a better future by continuing to pedal or walk or take the bus."

"By participating in the commuter challenge, Manitobans helped improve their own health while contributing to improving the health of the planet," said Rondeau. "I join my colleague in congratulating all participants in the challenge."

This year, 13,000 commuters from 200 workplaces and schools walked, cycled, carpooled and took transit. This equals about 450,000 green kilometres and prevented an estimated 100 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

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