I rise today to inform my honourable colleagues of this government�s commitment to student summer employment in Newfoundland and Labrador.

A student summer job is often a young person�s first exposure to the labour market. It is a great way to establish good work habits and an understanding of the value of earning a living. Recognizing this, Budget 09 included an investment of $3.45 million towards the delivery of student summer programs for high-school and post-secondary students throughout the province.

This year, Provincial Government funding will enable over 600 high-school level I, II and III students to secure work with not-for-profit organizations, community agencies and municipalities in approximately 480 summer recreation, heritage and community improvement projects.

In addition to supporting high-school students the Provincial Government also assists individuals attending a post-secondary institution � or those planning to attend one in the upcoming year � secure meaningful summer employment with both for-profit and not-for-profit employers. Through our Student Work and Service Program, students gain up to 14 weeks of on-the-job experience. In addition students also receive a $50 tuition voucher for each week worked. For example, if a student works for the full 14 weeks, then they will receive $700 towards the overall cost of their tuition. This is an excellent way for students to gain valuable work experience and save for school, thereby reducing their debt burden.

I am pleased to announce that this year, we will match 1,155 post-secondary students with employers for meaningful summer employment.

Also this summer, the Provincial Government will continue its financial support of the Conservation Corps of Newfoundland and Labrador. A grant of $597,800 will fund up to 25 Green Team projects and employ 100 youth and students primarily in rural areas of the province.

These Green Team projects are aimed at addressing environmental and cultural heritage issues and are run in partnership with local community organizations and the corporate sector.

Through this program, our youth and students will contribute to conserving the environment in our province while developing their own skills and enhancing their environmental awareness.

In closing, the Provincial Government is pleased to support student summer employment again this year and I would like to wish all our students a safe, enjoyable and rewarding summer.