Media

Clean Air Day Awards 2008 – Winner’s Summaries* * *

Atlantic Region

Rod MacAleese
Outstanding Contribution through Community Advocacy

For nearly two decades, Rod MacAleese has tirelessly fought for a cleaner environment in Moncton, New Brunswick.  In particular, he recognized the importance of clean air to human health and made this a cornerstone of his advocacy work.  Through the MacAleese Lane-Sunny Acres Coalition, he has been an inspiration to his community and has helped realize real improvements in air quality.  In his honour, a protected green space in Moncton was named “MacAleese Meadows”.

Pacific-Yukon Region

With foresight, creativity and personal drive, Dr. Jim McTaggart-Cowan fostered the creation of Clean Air Day in British Columbia -- the first of its kind in Canada.   In 1992, the Provincial government officially proclaimed Clean Air Day and soon afterwards communities throughout British Columbia embraced the event.  Dr. McTaggart-Cowan’s vision inspired many of his colleagues in the Ministry of Environment, as well as counterparts in local governments and nongovernment organizations.  In 1999, Clean Air Day was proclaimed at the national level by the Government of Canada.

Prairie & Northern Region

Martha Kostuch
Outstanding Contribution through Environmental Activism

For more than 30 years, Martha Kostuch’s dedication, intelligence and energy brought her to the forefront of environmental activism in Alberta.  Among her many achievements was her work with the Clean Air Strategic Alliance which led to reduced air emissions from the oil and gas industry.   Ms. Kostuch was a veterinarian, mentor and inspiration to a whole generation of environmentalists.  She passed away in April 2008 at the age of 58.

 Quebec

Société de transport de Sherbrooke
Outstanding Contribution through Business Innovation

Through innovative business partnerships, the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS) has increased its ridership and become a cornerstone of sustainable transportation in its region.  Notably, the non-technological opportunities created by STS have helped their partners embrace clean air solutions as part of a normal business model.