Presentation of Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards

Oliver Langdon, Minister of Environment and Labour, and Shirley Fraize, First Vice-president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Women�s Institutes, announced the winners of the 11^th annual Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards at a ceremony held today at the Quidi Vidi Rennies River Fluvarium in St. John�s.

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.

The awards are presented each year to groups and persons who demonstrate through action outstanding commitment to environmental protection, conservation and restoration. The awards are presented in seven categories: Individual; Citizen�s Group or Organization; Educator; Youth; School; Business; and Municipality.

This year�s winners include:

Individual: Robert O�Brien and Sylvia Radford-Smith

Citizens�s Group or Organization: St. John�s Harbour ACAP Inc and Community Pride (Marystown-Burin Area Chamber of Commerce). Honourable mention went to the Thomas Howe Forest Foundation Inc.

Educator: Diane Williams. Honourable mention went to Dan Murphy

Youth: Timothy Tilley

School: Northern Lights Academy. Honourable mention went to C.C. Loughlin School

Business: BFI Waste Services, Garry Perry

Municipality: Town of Raleigh

The winners of this year�s Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards were chosen from approximately 100 nominations from many regions of the province.

"The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards provide an annual opportunity to formally recognize the tremendous commitment of some Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to environmental protection and their efforts to promote environmentally friendly behaviour," said Minister Langdon. "I am very pleased and proud to present these awards to this year�s winners."

The minister congratulated the winners and those receiving honourable mention. He stated that the increase in the number of nominations reflects the fact that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians from all parts of the province are making exemplary efforts to ensure our environment is protected.

Ms. Fraize stated: "With the number of submissions increasing each year it is very reassuring to know that so many people and groups throughout the province are taking the time to care for our environment. The work these individuals do is greatly appreciated by everyone."

Minister Langdon encouraged those who were nominated but were unsuccessful to submit a nomination again next year.

Media contact: Sean Kelly, Director of Communications, (709) 729-2575.

2000 06 09                         3:45 p.m.