May 2, 2006

Thank you Deputy Mayor Pantalone and thank you members of the Roundtable on the Environment. I'd like to add my own welcome to all of you who've come here tonight to support the Green Toronto Awards.

In environmental matters, as in almost every other facet of the life of a great city, the actions of local government only go so far. Ultimately, the quality of our natural environment relies on government and citizens doing what they can alone and together to reach the highest levels of environmental achievement.

That's why I feel so strongly about the Green Toronto Awards. I believe it's important to recognize and honour Torontonians who are committed to making this city a greener and healthier place to live. By sharing their stories, it's my hope others will be inspired to join our efforts for a cleaner and more beautiful city.

I'd like to say a special hello and thanks to the City of Toronto's Environmental Volunteers, many of whom I see here tonight. These volunteers are a true reflection of Toronto's diversity, ranging in age from teenagers to retirees and speaking a total of 47 different languages. Thanks to all of you for your hard work and dedication to the environmental well-being of this city.

So many people and organizations have donated in many different ways to make these awards possible. I want to thank our nine awards sponsors:

ACE Bakery
AutoShare
Loblaw Companies Limited
Perfectly Natural
Roots
TD Bank Financial Group
The Toronto Community Foundation
Toronto Hydro
and Toronto Water

I'd also like to thank our generous media sponsors:
Citytv, CP24
Canadian Business
The Globe and Mail
Mix 99.9
Newstalk 1010 CFRB
Now Magazine
Toronto Star
Toronto Life
97.3 EZ Rock
Toronto Sun

Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone has led the charge for a greener Toronto, both as our City's Tree Advocate and as Chair of the Roundtable on the Environment. I want to thank Joe for his vision and untiring commitment to translating decisions into environmental action.

I also want to thank the members of the Roundtable on the Environment. Our Roundtable members are environmental innovators and experts in different fields who have committed their time and talent over the last two years to make sure Toronto remains an environmental leader. We are fortunate and grateful for the far-sighted advice they've given us.

This year, the City of Toronto has won recognition from our peers in the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for our aggressive approach to waste management. Citing activities such as the Green Bin and our mandatory diversion by-law that commits us to diverting 100 per cent of our waste away from landfill by 2010, FCM has awarded us top honours in the sustainable solid waste category.

Finally, and I'm saving the best for last, a big thank you to our winners. Through your dedication to the environment and your tireless efforts, you are changing the face of the city we call home. Not only are you helping in very practical ways to make Toronto a cleaner and healthier city, you also serve as an inspiration to others. I congratulate you all and encourage you to keep up the good work.

Thanks to you, all of Toronto wins.

Now, if you take a look at the cover of Green Living magazine, you'll notice that our next speaker looks very familiar. It's my great pleasure to introduce Toronto's own Lisa Ray - a highly respected international actor and star of the critically-acclaimed film Water. Lisa .