It's been a year of "firsts" for the Canadian Environment Awards.

This new national program has captured the imagination of thousands of Canadians who wanted to take action and get involved with environment issues. Last night, People's Choice Gold and Silver Awards were announced at the Museum of Civilization in Hull, Quebec. Nominees and dignitaries from across the country gathered together for the awards gala that was hosted by Gillian Deacon of the Discovery Channel. It was true celebration of community environmental achievement, highlighted by a keynote address from The Honourable David Anderson, Minister of the Environment. The evening's gold recipients were also awarded a $5,000 prize from Tim Faithfull, Shell Canada president, which will be donated to each winner's environmental cause of choice.