Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup and Environment and Climate Change Canada Aim to Celebrate World Environment Day with 150 Cleanups Canada-wide

ACROSS CANADA, May 23, 2017 – In celebration of World Environment Day on June 5, the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup is excited to partner with Environment and Climate Change Canada to encourage Canadians to “connect with nature” by leading 150 shoreline cleanups across the country on World Environment Day weekend, June 2 to 5, 2017.

Canada has been selected as the host country of this year’s World Environment Day. As we gear up to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup is encouraging Canadians to lead 150 cleanups on this weekend to observe Canada’s continuous efforts to protect our waters and wildlife.  

Now in its 24th year, the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, presented by Loblaw Companies Limited, is Canada’s largest conservation-based cleanup program. An initiative of the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre and WWF-Canada, it calls on Canadians from coast to coast to coast to help rehabilitate shoreline areas throughout the year. Participants are encouraged to register a shoreline cleanup in their community, anywhere that water meets land.

World Environment Day celebrates positive environmental actions. Participating in the Shoreline Cleanup is a great way to make a direct difference in the health of your local waters. It also offers a firsthand opportunity to learn about the stewardship of water and the lasting impact litter has on our shoreline environments and aquatic wildlife such as turtles, seabirds, whales and otters.

“World Environment Day is an ideal opportunity for Canadians to embrace nature by cleaning up our shorelines and protecting Canada’s diverse aquatic ecosystems. That is why I am delighted to partner with the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup Program on World Environment Day to take action against shoreline litter across the country. By registering for a Great Canadian Shoreline Clean Up event on June 5, Canadians can play their part to help protect our shorelines and the environment, one piece of garbage at a time. Together, on World Environment Day, we can celebrate our rich aquatic habitats and make a real difference,” said the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

“One of the benefits of participating in a shoreline cleanup is being able to connect with nature, which aligns perfectly with this year’s theme for World Environment Day,” said Rachel Schoeler, manager of the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. “Pollution is one of the biggest issues facing our waters today, having a significant impact on our ecosystems and aquatic life. We are asking Canadians to help keep our waters clean and healthy on World Environment Day and every other day of the year.”

“The Shoreline Cleanup is a great way for Canadians to connect with nature and make a positive impact in their community for a better planet,” says Bob Chant, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Communication, Loblaw Companies Limited. “We are pleased to have been the presenting sponsor of this national conservation initiative for the past eight years.”

Registration for the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup is easier than ever with a new, user-friendly website. Join the movement at ShorelineCleanup.ca.

Participants registering for a shoreline cleanup on World Environment Day are also encouraged to register their event on the World Environment Day website at www.worldenvironmentday.global to gain global interest for the event.

The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup
The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, presented by Loblaw Companies Limited, is one of the largest direct action conservation programs in Canada. A conservation initiative of the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre and WWF-Canada, the Shoreline Cleanup aims to promote understanding of shoreline litter issues by engaging Canadians to rehabilitate shoreline areas through cleanups. www.ShorelineCleanup.ca

Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre
The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre is a non‐profit society dedicated to the conservation of aquatic life. www.vanaqua.org

WWF-Canada
WWF-Canada creates solutions to the environmental challenges that matter most for Canadians. We work in places that are unique and ecologically important, so that nature, wildlife and people thrive together. Because we are all wildlife. For more information, visit wwf.ca.

Loblaw Companies Limited
Loblaw Companies Limited is Canada’s food and pharmacy leader, the nation’s largest retailer, and the majority unit holder of Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust. www.loblaw.ca

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