I was at Memorial University this morning to welcome more than 100 students from across Canada for a week-long national forum. The Interchange on Canadian Studies offers young Canadians the opportunity to participate in a bilingual forum on issues of importance to the country. This year�s conference is focused on the environment.

Each year, the host jurisdiction shifts between provinces and territories. Hosting students welcome fellow student delegates from across Canada into their communities and homes. They then have the opportunity to travel to the home of their billet for a one- week period - completing the interchange.

The conference is co-sponsored by the Department of Education and the Eastern School District. Throughout the week, students will enjoy thought-provoking, informative sessions, and hear from nationally recognized keynote speakers. For example, this morning, students listened to Bob Macdonald, well-known science reporter and host of CBC radio�s Quirks & Quarks.

Tomorrow they will have the pleasure of hearing from Dr. Elizabeth Penashue. As we all know, Dr. Penashue is an outspoken opponent of low-level flying in her native Labrador. She promotes the transitional Innu lifestyle and its important relationship to the land. To quote Ms. Penashue, "She is the voice of the people. She is the voice of the animals. She is also a voice for the environment." And she is the perfect presenter for a conference such as this.

It was encouraging to see such an enthusiastic group of young people who share a dedication to the environment. They have come to this province eager to learn, and determined to make a difference for their homes and their country. They are truly an inspiration.

While the students are here, they will take daily field trips to areas of interest and participate in many work-shops. They also have a full week to enjoy the hospitality that is the backbone of Newfoundland and Labrador. In the end, they will return home as ambassadors for our province.