Government provides funding to assist
Newfoundland and Labrador Conservation Corps in its climate change efforts

Environment and Conservation Minister Tom Osborne has announced funding in the amount of $15,000 for the Newfoundland and Labrador Conservation Corps� Climate Change Education Centre for various climate change initiatives. Minister Osborne presented the cheque to the centre�s director, Terry McNeil, today.

Minister Osborne said government is pleased to provide funding to the Climate Change Education Centre and support its efforts on climate change. �Continued support of the Newfoundland and Labrador Conservation Corps� Climate Change Education Centre is one of the action items outlined in our provincial Climate Change Action Plan that we released two weeks ago,� said Minister Osborne. �Today we are following through on our commitment to the Conservation Corps and are proud to assist them in carrying out the important work that they do in educating the public about climate change.�

Minister Osborne added: �Government is indeed serious about addressing climate change and we will continue to move forward in implementing all elements of our Climate Change Action Plan and work in partnership with stakeholders like the Newfoundland and Labrador Conservation Corps� to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and preserve our environment for future generations.�

�The provincial government's on-going financial support of the Conservation Corps' Climate Change Public Education and Outreach Hub clearly demonstrates its commitment to addressing this important environmental issue,� said Mr. McNeil. �To achieve the greenhouse gas reductions we require to meet Canada's Kyoto targets, it is vital that the public be informed on the issue and made aware of the actions they can take as individual citizens to reduce their personal emissions, while at the same time save money through reduced fossil fuel usage.�

Minister Osborne said the funding will assist the education centre with the continuation of its outreach activities including those aimed at youth and youth educators, business and industry, municipalities and the general public. The financial contribution will also enable the centre to continue its partnership development, which permits capacity building and training with other non-government agencies who are increasingly becoming involved in outreach activities on climate change.

The Climate Change Education Centre is available to anyone looking for information on climate change or ways in which they can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and participate in the One Tonne Challenge. As well, the centre regularly makes presentations to school groups and youth organizations such as Guides. The centre is also currently partnering with the Terra Nova National Park Heritage Foundation to involve businesses in the region in greenhouse gas reduction initiatives.

For more information on the Climate Change Education Centre, call (709) 729-7279 or visit the Newfoundland and Labrador Conservation Corps Web site at //www.conservationcorps.nf.ca/climatechange/index.htm

Photo #1: Environment and Conservation Minister Tom Osborne presents a cheque to Terry McNeil, director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Conservation Corps.

Media contact:
Sonia Glover, Communications, (709) 729-2575, 685-6612
Terry McNeil Director, Climate Change Education Centre, Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador, (709) 729-7279

2005 07 27                       12:30 p.m.