CALGARY, Alberta, June 24, 2002 (ENS) - Canada is committed to preserving and protecting the environment during all phases of the G-8 Summit which is set to open in Kananaskis, Alberta on Thursday and Friday, government environmental officials have pledged. A parallel peoples' forum, the Group of Six Billion, says theirs is the gathering that reflects full respect for the environment and human rights.

Prime Minister of Canada Jean Chretien (Photos courtesy Government of Canada)

Kananaskis, Alberta where the G-8 leaders will meet.

The Canadian government has developed a Green Meetings program to encourage summit staff and partners to adopt a philosophy of reducing waste, recycling materials, reducing the use of water, fuel and electricity, limiting the consumption of paper, packaging and disposable products; and selecting eco-certified products and asking service and products providers to do likewise.

A followup and monitoring program has been established so that any disturbed terrain or accidental impacts are remediated.

Map showing the location of the G-8 Summit (Map courtesy Government of Canada)

The G6B - Group of 6 Billion - which seeks to represent the entire global citizenry, has been taking place at the University of Calgary since Friday, offering a forum to generate and discuss alternative ideas and solutions.

An Alberta based nongovernmental organization, the International Society for Peace and Human Rights, has taken the lead in organizing this conference and is now working with a steering committee made up of other national and local organizations including; Amnesty International, Partnership Africa Canada, Rights & Democracy, Canadian Labor Congress, RESULTS, University of Calgary G-8 office, and the Calgary African Community.

Calgary, where the G6B conference is being held

Sessions have allowed delegates the opportunity to not only listen but to add their voices to the collective recommendations scheduled to be presented to the government on Tuesday. Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Bill Graham will be in Calgary on Tuesday to meet with G6B participants. The Minister will receive and discuss the G6B's conclusions and recommendations to G8 leaders.

The People's Summit will formulate recommendations to G-8 governments in six theme areas: trade and economy, human security, health, education, environment, and democracy and governance.

"I felt that during the session people were working together and reflecting on each other's ideas," said Boris Jacouty, a delegate from Ottawa, who attended the health session Saturday afternoon. "Concrete proposals were discussed regarding global health concerns, and now it is up to the G-8 leaders to listen and respond accordingly."