Earlier today, the Honourable Stephen Owen, Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Indian Affairs and Northern Development), Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister, the Honourable Guy Boutilier, Edmonton Mayor Bill Smith and Calgary Deputy Mayor Joe Ceci announced plans for a national conference on urban sustainability.

The Conference, to be held at Edmonton's Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton on September 9 and 10, 2003, will bring together Canadian leaders in government, business and civil society to explore a coordinated approach to urban sustainability.

"The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of enhancing the quality of life and economic competitiveness of our urban centers into the 21st Century," said Secretary of State Stephen Owen. "The Strategies for Urban Sustainability Conference is an excellent opportunity to discuss challenges and opportunities that may form a new national urban strategy for Canada."

The Honourable Guy Boutilier stated, "I am very pleased that the Ministry of Municipal Affairs for the Province of Alberta is viewed as a leader in dealing with sustainability now and for the future. The Alberta Government is prepared to think outside the box."

The Conference, moderated by Allan Gregg, Chair of the Strategic Counsel, will include keynote addresses by:

• Sir Peter Hall, one of the world's most renowned urban planners and the author of more than 30 books;
• Dr. Anne Golden, President and CEO of the Conference Board of Canada; and
• James Knight, Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

In addition, a series of sessions that focus on the perspectives of municipal, provincial and federal governments will culminate in an interactive town hall-style discussion including representatives from all orders of government, business and civil society.

"Ensuring the future of Canadian cities is a collective responsibility of all orders of government, along with all sectors of the community. The sustainability of our cities is a critical discussion that will be fostered through this Conference," stated Calgary Deputy Mayor Joe Ceci.

"My goal in initiating this conference was to keep national discussion on urban sustainability at the forefront. The sponsors of this Conference (Government of Canada, Government of Alberta, the Cities of Calgary and Edmonton) is testimony to the importance all orders of government place on this issue," said Edmonton Mayor Bill Smith. "It will be one of the most important national conferences that will happen in Canada in 2003," he concluded.

Other conference supporters include TD Financial Group, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and the Alberta Capital Region Alliance.

Please visit conference web site for regular conference updates: http://www.sus2003.ca/  

For additional information, contact:

Barb Steele
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Edmonton, Alberta
(780) 495-4982

Jim Andrais
City of Edmonton
(780) 496-8100

Peter Brodsky
City of Calgary
(403) 268-8123
 
Laurent Auger
Alberta Municipal Affairs
Edmonton
(780) 427-3744

Rod Elliott
TD Bank Financial Group
Toronto
(416) 982-8624