“Through his skill as a sculptor he is making an important public statement that is directed to all of us.”                                 – David Peterson, Former Premier of Ontario

“Struggle for Survival” recognizes the consequential importance of our actions and the responsibility we must undertake to ensure the continuing livelihood of our environment”                          
-  Brian Mulroney,  Prime Minister of Canada

"On behalf of the United Nations Environmental Program we are not only happy to receive this but also to use it as a metaphor for the human condition, I am very excited that you as an artist have now dedicated some of your talent and skills to highlight and making us aware of our condition is.  This is an extraordinary and most powerful symbol of what we’re doing to ourselves by maiming and mangling life."   
​- Dr. Noel Brown, Director of United Nations Environment Program​

United Nations Director, Dr. Noel Brown presented with "Struggle for Survival"

The Oakville Beaver, June 1993

"I do appreciate the important message you are conveying in your print, and I thank you for providing me a copy." 
- Maurice Strong, Former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations

“It’s hard to imagine what one person can do: take sculptor Josef Petriska.  Each of us can have an effect, however great or small, if we are willing to work at it and bring together our special interests and abilities.”
​– Dr. David Suzuki, CBC Television

“Your art increases our awareness through its symbolism which indicates the need to take preventative measures now, in order to protect our environment for the future”              
– Art Eggleton, Former Mayor of Toronto

The ​Painting "Our Choice"

“Your depiction of a spoiled environment certainly focuses one’s attention on the work we need to do together.”  
​– Bob Rae, Former Premier of Ontario

“I, and many other Canadians, have been supporting Mr. Josef Petriska in his efforts to display his bronze sculpture ‘Struggle for Survival’ and on behalf of World Wildlife Fund Canada, would strongly support any application Joe (he) might make in this regard.”
​ – Monte Hummel, Former President, WWF Canada

“I share your concern over the need to protect our environment and I applaud your efforts to promote greater public awareness of environmental problems” 
- Frank S. Miller, Former Premier of Ontario

"I would like to personally thank you for the support and assistance you have extended to the aboriginal people in this country." 
- Georges Erasmus, Former National Chef of the Assembly of First Nations

"Josef has set aside the commercial pursuit of this art and exclusively focused his considerable talent, energy and time on striving to awaken leasers in government, the corporate community and individual Canadians to the environmental choice that is before us."
- Anne Mulvale, Former Mayor of Oakville

“Your work in depicting environmental themes is commendable and most timely in light of the current worldwide situation.  Your work reflects a genuine appreciation and concern for the environment and through your artistic abilities you have helped to promote a greater awareness and understanding of the problems facing us.”
– Hazel McCallion, Former Mayor of Mississauga

Petriska's symbolic "Lynched Engine", choking the technology that is choking us all.  Erected behind his studio in Oakville, Ontario

"Continuation"