Premier Presents First Annual Excellence in Water Stewardship Award

The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, presented the Council of the Federation’s inaugural Excellence in Water Stewardship Award today to Atlantic Coastal Action Plan Humber Arm for outstanding achievement and leadership and innovative practice in water stewardship.

“In Newfoundland and Labrador we understand the fundamental importance of a sustainable water supply and how crucial it is to our social, environmental and economic well-being,” said Premier Dunderdale. “The Excellence in Water Stewardship Award is part of a wider strategy to improve stewardship of our water resources and foster best practices across Canada. I am delighted that Atlantic Coastal Action Plan Humber Arm was chosen to receive this inaugural award of excellence. Receiving this award is a remarkable achievement and everyone in this region should be incredibly proud of the great work for which this organization is being recognized.”

The award will be presented annually to organizations, partnerships, businesses, institutions, and community groups in each province and territory as part of a Water Charter by Canada’s premiers to promote water conservation and protect water quality.

Premier Dunderdale was joined by the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minster of Environment and Conservation, to celebrate the award.

“This group is an example of what environmental stewardship is,” said Minister Hedderson. “I’m very proud to stand with the Premier today to recognize Atlantic Coastal Action Plan Humber Arm for their collaborative, innovative approach to water conservation and stewardship.”

Atlantic Coastal Action Plan Humber Arm is a non-profit organization based in Corner Brook focused on marine water quality, water conversation, environmental education, knowledge sharing and partnership development. To promote water stewardship, the organization has developed and implemented several innovative hands-on education programs for youth. In addition, the organization facilitates partnership development and information sharing between municipalities, government, industry and others.

“While we don’t undertake this work to be recognized, we are honoured to receive this award from the Council of the Federation, and from the Premier personally,” said Cecil Lake, Chair of the Atlantic Coastal Action Plan Humber Arm Board. “We will continue our efforts to educate and share our knowledge with others when it comes to water quality and water conversation.”

Award recipients in each province receive a glass trophy, a framed certificate signed by their Premier and a monetary prize. For more information about the Excellence in Water Stewardship award visit: www.councilofthefederation.ca/en/initiatives/313-excellence-in-water-stewardship-awards 

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2013 09 12                                  10:20 a.m.