Island student Craig Murtagh's vision of a new generation of automobiles is featured in 135,000 calendars in households, schools and businesses across Canada.
The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment conducts a poster contest each year to select the Prince Edward Island entry in the Energy and the Environment calendar. Produced by Natural Resources Canada to promote efficient energy use and a healthy environment, the calendar features one drawing from each province and territory.
In announcing PEI's winning entry for the 2002 Energy and the Environment calendar, Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment Chester Gillan said artist Craig Murtagh captures the theme, "Taking Action on Climate Change Through Wise Energy Use". Craig's artwork depicts an alternate energy truck. The caption on the drawing is "The future has become the present".
"Carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles are one of the major contributors to climate change. So new technologies such as electric-powered vehicles, and fuel cells powered by hydrogen are an important part of reducing greenhouse gas emissions," said Minister Gillan. "As Craig's drawing illustrates, these technologies are no longer in the distant future. We are seeing advancements every year."
Last year, the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment, with support from the PEI Energy Corporation, purchased one of the new technology automobiles. The Toyota Prius combines a four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor to make for high fuel efficiency and low tailpipe emissions. The Department is analyzing the car's performance and will report on reductions in carbon dioxide emissions.
Minister Gillan recently visited Grand Tracadie Elementary School to present Craig the poster contest prizes and speak to students about climate change. Craig received a laminated and mounted copy of his artwork, a solar-powered calculator and an NRCat t-shirt for his winning entry. As well, the school received a laminated copy of Craig's winning drawing for display.
Approximately 100 Island elementary students entered the Prince Edward Island poster contest for the 2002 Energy and the Environment calendar. They will all be receiving participant prizes for their outstanding efforts.
"The students' artwork spoke to the many ways we can all help conserve energy and protect the environment such as recycling, carpooling, and turning off lights and appliances when we leave a room," said Minister Gillan. "The students also showed tremendous creativity with drawings depicting solar and wind energy, technology to capture energy from lightening, and even a boat propelled by air pressure."
The 2002 Energy and the Environment calendar includes tips, puzzles and games for schoolchildren to learn more about energy efficiency. A new web site has also been launched in conjunction with the calendar, offering additional resources for students and teachers. The CalendarClub web site can be found at http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/CalendarClub.
Copies of the 2002 Energy and the Environment Calendar are available at Access PEI offices and from Island Information Service (368-4000 or toll-free 1-800-236-5196).
Information on the poster contest for the 2003 calendar is being distributed to elementary schools across the province. The deadline for entries is April 1. For further details, contact the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment at (902) 368-5286.