David Suzuki Foundation opens Montreal office, launches French website

By: David Suzuki Foundation


MONTREAL - The David Suzuki Foundation announced today that it has appointed Karel Mayrand director of DSF Quebec and has opened its newest office in Montreal.

“Canadians and Québécois must realize that we all are part of nature; there is no line or border that separates us from the rest of the world,” said David Suzuki. “Quebec possesses exceptional biodiversity in its plentitude of lakes, rivers, boreal forests, and other natural resources. In this respect, the province has a huge responsibility to continue to nurture and protect its natural capital.”

The Foundation celebrates its new presence in Quebec with the launch of a new French website: www.davidsuzuki.qc.ca. Québécois can now join the 350,000 Canadians who have taken David Suzuki’s Nature Challenge and committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The Montreal office now joins operations in Vancouver, Toronto, and Ottawa.

In addition to working with the Foundation’s program teams, the four-member Quebec team will develop projects specific to the province, including issues regarding the St. Lawrence River and environmental health. DSF Quebec will also work to establish research links with universities and will work closely with individuals, businesses, groups, and communities throughout the province.

“The depth of change needed to achieve sustainability within a generation compels us to work together to create a meaningful impact,” Mr. Mayrand said. “I firmly believe that we can, in working with our partners, motivate many more residents of Quebec to work toward sustainable development.”

Added Peter Robinson, chief executive officer of the David Suzuki Foundation: “Québécois understand environmental issues as well as anyone in Canada, and we need them to help us bring a truly national scope to our efforts to achieve sustainability within a generation. We hope to not only contribute to the efforts of Québécois in protecting their environment, but also to benefit from their expertise, experience, energy, and passion.”

For several years, the Foundation has collaborated with Equiterre and other Quebec-based groups on a number of issues, ranging from global warming to cosmetic-pesticide legislation. In particular, the David Suzuki Foundation has been supported by Stephen Bronfman, a Foundation board member and long-time friend of Dr. Suzuki, as well as a group of dedicated and dynamic volunteers.

Established in 1990, the David Suzuki Foundation works through science and education to protect the diversity of nature and our quality of life, with a goal of achieving sustainability within a generation. An independent charity, the Foundation does not accept government grants and is supported with the help of more than 40,000 individual supporters across Canada and around the world.

To view the David Suzuki Foundation’s French website, visit: www.davidsuzuki.qc.ca.

Media contacts:

Karel Mayrand

Director, DSF Quebec

Cell: (514) 998-5458

Dan Maceluch

Director of Communications

David Suzuki Foundation

Phone: (604) 732-4228

Toll-free: 1-800-453-1533

source: David Suzuki Foundation