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(Ottawa) Following the vote to ratify Kyoto in the House of Commons scheduled for Tuesday, more than a dozen preschool children will present an oversized Kyoto Thank You Card and asthma puffers to Prime Minister Jean Chrt0069en. The presentation will take place on Wednesday morning as the Prime Minister enters the weekly national Liberal caucus meeting on Parliament Hill.

According to medical authorities, asthma is a growing public health epidemic. Poor air quality is an important trigger of this chronic disease characterized by inflammation of the airways and lungs. In Canada, up to 20 per cent of children are reported to have asthma. Childhood asthma cases and deaths of children due to asthma have been increasing steadily over the past 20 years.

The presentation by Ottawa area children, many of whom suffer from asthma, is the culmination of the nation-wide Kids for Kyoto campaign to highlight the impact of air pollution on the health of our children.

Where: Hall of Honour, Centre Block, Parliament Hill

When: Wednesday, December 11 at 9:45 AM

Who: Preschool children and child care workers

A downtown Ottawa daycare where more than 20 per cent of children regularly use puffers will open its doors to interested media and several Ottawa area families dealing with childhood asthma will also be available.

Sponsors of Kids for Kyoto include the Canadian Union of Public Employees, the Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada and the YWCA of Canada.

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For more information:

Peter Bleyer (613) 722-4824 or cell (613) 292-6929