Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards

I rise today to inform honourable members that nominations are now being accepted for the 11^th Annual Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards.

These awards are presented each year to individuals and groups who demonstrate outstanding commitment and dedication to the protection and conservation of the Newfoundland and Labrador environment.

The awards are presented in seven categories: Individual; Citizen�s Group or Organization; Educator; Youth; School; Business; and Municipality.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards Program is jointly sponsored between the Department of Environment and Labour and the Newfoundland and Labrador Women�s Institutes. And I want to say a special word of thanks to our co-sponsors. The commitment and dedication that the Newfoundland and Labrador Women�s Institutes has demonstrated for environmental initiatives is highly commendable and their efforts are very much appreciated.

The competition for these awards is very intense and winners are chosen from a highly competitive field. Although the program formally acknowledges the achievements of a select group of individuals, there are thousands of individuals and organizations that contribute in a very significant way to the protection and conservation of our environment.

Information about this program is being circulated today to all members in the House of Assembly and I would strongly encourage each member to give consideration to the many individuals and groups in their districts that have made valuable contributions in the area of environmental protection.

Additional information about this program can be obtained by contacting the Newfoundland and Labrador Women�s Institutes at 753-8780 or the Department of Environment and Labour, Communications Division at 729-5783. Information is also available on the department�s web site.

2000 04 03                                                     2:00 p.m.