Morning Coffee – By Aaron Hall

Weather forecast for Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Today – Mainly cloudy. Wind northeast 30 km/h gusting to 50. High plus 3. UV index 3 or moderate.

Tonight – Mainly cloudy. Wind north 20 km/h. Low minus 2.

World Down Syndrome Day

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), 21 March, is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.

Down Syndrome International (DSi) encourages our friends all over the world to choose their own activities and events on WDSD to help raise awareness of what Down syndrome is, what it means to have Down syndrome, and how people with Down syndrome play a vital role in our lives and communities.

Why March 21?

The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.

History of WDSD

WDSD was first observed in 2006 in many countries around the world and Down Syndrome Association Singapore launched and hosted the WDSD website from 2006-2010, on behalf of DSi, for global activities to be recorded.

On 19 December 2011, the United Nations General Assembly declared 21 March as World Down Syndrome Day. The General Assembly decided to “designate 21 March as World Down Syndrome Day, to be observed every year beginning in 2012” and “invites all Member States, relevant organizations of the United Nations system and other international organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector, to observe World Down Syndrome Day in an appropriate manner, in order to raise public awareness of Down syndrome”.

#LotsOfSocks

In order to promote World Down Syndrome Day, the #LotsOfSocks campaign was launched.

People are being encouraged to wear brightly coloured socks, long socks, printed socks, one sock… or even three socks for three chromosomes.

Organizers say if you do not normally wear socks, then wear them.

And why stop at socks? Wear our #LotsOfSocks t-shirts, WDSD t-shirts and other brightly coloured clothing.

“The choice is yours, but we ask you to join us wearing something people will ask you about so that you can tell them all about WDSD,” organizers say.

“It is easy to do. So whether you are at home, nursery, school, college, university, work, play, travel, holiday or anywhere, join in! On 21 March 2018, wear #LotsOfSocks and invite all your friends, family and colleagues to do the same.”

New report confirms Canada’s air continues to get cleaner

Following the publication of the 2018 Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, issued the following statement:

“Our government is committed to improving air quality in Canada and protecting the health of Canadians.

“Over the last few decades, federal, provincial, and territorial governments have worked together to take action to reduce air pollution from vehicles, power plants, and industries across Canada. This year’s Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory confirms our collective efforts are working.

“Reducing harmful emissions is improving air quality in Canada and reducing health issues related to air pollution, such as asthma and cardiovascular diseases. This is significant since the Government of Canada estimates there are 14 000 to 15 000 deaths in Canada each year due to air pollution from human activity. Reducing air pollution also helps the economy as Canadian families and businesses avoid health-related expenses and missed work every year.

“The Government of Canada is working with its provincial and territorial partners to ensure Canada’s air keeps getting cleaner. As part of that effort, we recently set stricter ambient air-quality standards for sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide to further improve air quality and protect the environment and health of Canadians. We have also put in place requirements that will reduce air pollution from Canadian industries.

“Canadians can all contribute to improving air quality and the environment through the choices they make each day. Try carpooling to work, riding your bike, or walking more. Let’s keep working together. Everyone has a role to play.”

Read the full report, here.