Suzuki to launch sustainability tour

Sept. 11, 2008

The Students For Sustainability National Campus Tour will be launching at the campus in St. John’s on Sept. 30 from 12-2 p.m.

The tour, a joint initiative of the Canadian Federation of Students, the Sierra Youth Coalition and the David Suzuki Foundation, will visit 22 campuses across the country in 30 days.

A star-studded cast of environmental speakers, politicians, media personalities and other supporters will travel the country on a bus using alternative energy to carry a message to Canadians about the urgent to create sustainable campuses and communities. 

“Sustainability is one of the issues foremost on students’ minds these days,” said Daniel Smith, Newfoundland and Labrador chair of the Canadian Federation of Students. “The eyes of the nation are going to be on Memorial when this tour launches, and it’s an exciting opportunity to showcase our determination to make real change.”

The Sept. 30 event at Memorial launching the national tour is being organized as a partnership between students and Memorial University. Thousands of students and members of the community will descend on campus throughout the day to check out an eclectic range of booths, presentations, workshops and hands-on demonstrations of environmental and sustainability initiatives which individuals and communities can adopt in the aim of more sustainable living.

A series of presentations in the St. John's Arts and Culture Centre will culminate in a live keynote speech by Dr. David Suzuki himself.

"Memorial University is an appropriate place to launch a national tour dedicated to raising awareness about how we can lessen our impact on the earth,” said Dr. Eddy Campbell, Memorial's acting president. “University students are often very effective agents of change. At Memorial, we have partnered with student groups on issues relating to energy use, car idling and recycling. The university has also played a leadership role by incorporating energy efficient designs in to the ongoing development of its campuses.

"We are also a place where ideas on sustainability issues are exchanged and debated, and I am confident that Dr. Suzuki and this tour will enhance the culture of awareness of sustainability issues, not only on the campus but within the province and country as well.”

“This is precisely what it’s all about,” said Mr. Smith. “Our cities, our institutions, and members of our community coming together in a spirit of cooperation to move forward collectively to ensure a sustainable future for us all.”


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