Human Resources, Labour and Employment
Environment and Conservation
June 2, 2011

Provincial Government Supports Green Team Projects for Youth

Through a funding commitment of $634,600, the Provincial Government is continuing its financial support of the Conservation Corps of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Green Team program.

“In supporting this summer program, the Provincial Government will help fund 23 Green Team projects that will employ approximately 100 youth throughout the province,” said the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and Minister Responsible for Youth Engagement. “It is exciting to support projects that help youth develop their job skills as well as their environmental awareness, and I congratulate the Conservation Corps for its achievements with this program.”

Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing youth aged 16-30 with training and employment in environmental and cultural heritage conservation. Projects under the Green Team Program last approximately eight weeks, and provide youth opportunities to work on environmental issues, heritage preservation, or improving natural and cultural resources.

“One of the reasons the Provincial Government has been a longtime supporter of the Green Team program is that it is important for young people to understand the value of protecting and conserving our environment, and of sustainability,” said the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Environment and Conservation. “The program empowers youth to be environmental leaders in our province, and so I wish the participants all the best as they take advantage of the opportunity.”

“The Provincial Government's on-going financial support clearly demonstrates its commitment to addressing important environmental issues and engaging youth,” said Darren Feltham, Director of Programs for Conservation Corps. “Not only will this funding help promote environmental conservation in Newfoundland and Labrador this summer, it will help our next generation gain valuable teamwork and employment skills that will help build meaningful careers.”

Through Budget 2011, Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has allocated more than $4.5 million in support of student summer employment throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. It is anticipated that this funding will match more than 2,100 students with employers for meaningful summer employment this year.

For more information about Green Team projects, visit www.ccnl.ca 

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Media contacts:

Bradley Power Director of Communications Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment 709-729-0753, 699-5707 bradleypower@gov.nl.ca	Melony O’Neill Director of Communications Department of Environment and Conservation 709-729-2575 moneill@gov.nl.ca
Darren Feltham Green Team Project Coordinator Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador 729-7266, 685-3492 dfeltham@ccnl.ca

2011 06 02                                  12:10 p.m.