FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 22, 1998

In recognition of Earth Day, the Alberta Federation of Labour is calling on the business community and governments at all levels to make the environment a higher priority.

"The time has come for all segments of society -- business, government and labour -- to take environmental issues more seriously," says AFL president Audrey Cormack. "The decisions we make about the environment today will have a profound impact on the world we leave for our children."

Cormack says the AFL has been doing its part by encouraging debate and discussion on environmental issues within the labour movement. Over the years, the AFL's Environment Committee has worked to educate union members on a wide range of environmental issues.

In the coming year, the committee will be developing a policy paper on sustainable development. The paper will deal with the labour movement's goal of building an economy that strikes a balance between economic development and environmental protection.

"We'd like to see other groups an organizations making similar efforts," says Cormack. "Whether you're a politician, a business-person, a worker or a student, we should all be thinking about what can be done to protect our environment."

Cormack says the government could show leadership on environmental issues by introducing and enforcing tougher regulations.

"Government has a responsibility to take a leading role is protectiing the environment," she says. "But, when you look at the Tory's track record on things like pollution and parks, it's obvious that isn't happening. Something clearly has to change."