Department seeking nominations for Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards

Environment and Conservation Minister Tom Osborne today announced that his department is seeking nominations for the 16th Annual Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards.

"There are many outstanding leaders in environment and conservation in our province that deserve to be honoured for their efforts," said Minister Osborne. "The annual awards program is an opportunity to acknowledge the initiative, dedication, and hard work that individuals, communities, schools and organizations have put into caring for our environment and the wise use of our natural heritage."

The minister said Newfoundland and Labrador is fortunate to have such committed environmental champions in communities all over our province who give tirelessly to protect our environment. "We are proud to be able to recognize the hard work and accomplishments of these leaders through our annual environmental awards program," he added.

The environmental awards will be given in six categories: Individual (19 years or older); Community Group or Organization; Youth or Youth Group (18 years or younger); School or Educational Institution; Municipality or Regional Waste Management Committee; and Business. Winners will be recognized for their accomplishments at the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards ceremony that will take place during Environment Week, June 5 - June 11.

Award winners in each category will receive a $100 honourarium from the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) to be used to continue their environmental project.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards Program is a joint initiative of the Department of Environment and Conservation, the MMSB and the Newfoundland and Labrador Women�s Institutes.

For further information on the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards or to obtain a nomination form, contact Tina Coffey at (709) 729-5783 or visit the Department of Environment and Conservation Web site at //www.gov.nl.ca/env/whatsnew.asp. The deadline for nominations is May 10.

Media contact: Sonia Glover, Communications, (709)729-2575, 685-6612

2005 04 15                   11:10 a.m.