BY JEFF CHUDZINSKI
North Country This Week

CANTON — St. Lawrence County legislators made two proclamations during the operations committee’s March 13 meeting.

Officials proclaimed April as Fair Housing month in partnership with CNY Fair Housing.

The Fair Housing Act was signed into law on April 11, 1968, establishing a national policy of equal housing opportunities for all citizens regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or disability.

St. Lawrence County legislators established the St. Lawrence County Fair Housing Task Force in 1991 with the task of implementing different activities to promote equal access to housing for all persons.

Officials say a Fair Housing event will be held in April to raise awareness about housing discrimination.

In the resolution, legislators stated the board is committed to promoting equal housing “so that all county residents are given the opportunity to live in safe, decent housing of their choice.”

Officials also proclaimed April 22 as Earth Day in St. Lawrence County.

County officials say the board has “traditionally emphasized the preservation and improvement of the quality of the natural and man-made environment within the county.”

April 22, 2023 will mark the 53rd anniversary of Earth Day, according to the resolution.

County officials established the Environmental Management Council in 1971, which has “worked to advise the Board of Legislators about ,and to foster public understanding of, environmental matters affecting the county.”

The EMC plans to sponsor and encourage public participation in environmentally responsible activities and educational programs in conjunction with Earth Day.