How Good is the Air You Breathe?

The Minister of the Environment, Jim Prentice, issued a statement on March 31, 2009 regarding the release of the audit by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development on the Air Quality Health Index. Mr. Prentice said "[he was] pleased to see this independent verification that the Government of Canada has made satisfactory progress to develop the index."

The Government of Canada's commitment to take action on clean air issues, and the collaboration by Environment Canada and Health Canada, has resulted in a successful launch of the Air Quality Health Index in many communities across Canada. The Index provides current real time information on the air we breathe, enabling Canadians to not only make better choices about their health but also become proactive in taking steps to protect their families. More pilot projects for the Air Quality Health Index are planned for the upcoming months.

The successful launch of the Air Quality Health Index is just one step in the government's plan to address this critical issue. "Canada's Economic Action Plan includes new measures totaling almost $2.4 billion to support a cleaner, more sustainable environment." With this ability to monitor the quality of air we breathe, we need to follow through on the steps to improve that quality.

For further information, or a forecast on air quality in a city near you, log onto www.airhealth.ca.