The following statement was issued to day by Tom Osborne, Minister of Environment and Conservation. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Seeking nominations for Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards

I rise today to inform my honourable colleagues that my department is seeking nominations for the15^th annual Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards Program, which is a joint initiative of my department, the MMSB, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Women’s Institutes, is a great opportunity to honour our outstanding leaders in environment and conservation. The annual awards program acknowledges the proactive actions being taken by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to protect our environment, and also creates an awareness of the importance of our environment and natural heritage.

We commend all individuals and community groups who dedicate their time and effort to preserve, protect and enhance our environment. It is through their dedication that important projects in environment and conservation are happening in Newfoundland and Labrador to improve our quality of life, thus making our province a better place in which to live.

We have many environmental champions in communities all over our province who give tirelessly to protect our environment and natural heritage. We are proud to be able to recognize the hard work and accomplishments of these leaders through our annual environmental awards program.

All members of the House of Assembly should have received a nomination form and a brochure regarding this year’s environmental awards. I encourage members to nominate an individual or group in their district for these awards. Nominations must be received by May 10. Winners will be announced during Environment Week, which is May 30 - June 5 this year.

2004 04 13                                         1:45 p.m.