Commuter Challenge for Manitobans - May 30 to June 5 2010

May 18, 2010




2010 COMMUTER CHALLENGE DESIGNED FOR MANITOBANS ON THE MOVE

Residents Urged to use Environmentally Friendlier Ways to Get Around May 30 to June 5: Selinger

Manitobans are being challenged to use environmentally friendly transportation during the national Commuter Challenge from May 30 to June 5, Premier Greg Selinger announced today.

“We encourage Manitobans to take this important step toward creating a greener province by using cleaner, healthier ways to commute,” Selinger said at the Commuter Challenge kickoff at the new Manitoba Hydro Building. “Using public transportation, biking, walking or car-pooling are great ways to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. These simple acts are among the best ways we can ensure our children will have a healthier future.”
“Our employees have long been enthusiastic supporters of the Commuter Challenge,” said Bob Brennan, president and CEO of Manitoba Hydro. “It seems especially relevant to launch the event at our new downtown headquarters, where the number of employees green commuting to and from the workplace has exceeded expectations.”

“Green commuting is easier than many people think – carpool with your spouse or a friend, take the bus once a week, ride your bike or walk under sunny skies. Save money, have fun and be active at the same time,” said Colin Crolly, chair, Resource Conservation Manitoba, provincial organizers of the Commuter Challenge.

Participating individuals will record their modes of transportation for the week. Each person who participates will be counted as a green commuter. At the end of the week, cities, towns and workplaces from across the country with the highest average percentage of individuals using sustainable transportation methods to get to and from work or school will be declared the most commuter friendly.

“We thank and congratulate Resource Conservation Manitoba for their outstanding efforts in co‑ordinating the National Commuter Challenge here in Manitoba for the past 10 years,” said Selinger.

Provincewide participation by workplaces and communities in last year’s challenge saw the green kilometres logged by Manitobans result in a reduction of more than 100 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and a fuel cost saving of about $30,000.

Last year, Winnipeg defended its title and placed first among major Canadian cities for an unprecedented sixth year in a row.

“Resource Conservation Manitoba and the Commuter Challenge are motivating more and more Manitobans to adopt new ways of travelling that improve the environment while helping themselves lead healthier and more active lives,” said Selinger. “This is a clear demonstration of the huge commitment by individual Manitobans to reduce their carbon footprints and address the harmful effects of climate change.”

- 30 -