Department seeking nominations for Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards

Environment and Conservation Minister Clyde Jackman today announced that his department is seeking nominations for the 17th Annual Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards.

"Throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, many individuals and groups are making a difference in their communities, schools and workplaces by sustaining, protecting and enhancing our environment and natural heritage." said Minister Jackman.

"The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards is an opportunity to formally thank and recognize our environmental leaders and I encourage people to nominate an individual or group that have made an environmental contribution in their community," said the minister.

The environmental awards will be given in seven 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; Business; and Lifetime Achievement. Winners will be recognized for their accomplishments at the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards ceremony that takes place during Environment Week, June 4 � 10, 2006.

Award winners in each category will receive a $1,000 honorarium from the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) to be used to further their environmental project or donated in their name to an environmental organization or cause.

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 5.

Media contact: Diane Hart, Communications, (709)729-2575, 685-4401

2006 04 13                                 12:35 p.m.