Environment and Conservation
November 19, 2014

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Environment and Conservation:

Minister Recognizes Council of Federation’s Excellence in Water Stewardship Award Winner

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an important award - The Council of the Federation’s Excellence in Water Stewardship Award.

This award annually recognizes businesses, institutions and community groups in each Canadian jurisdiction for their commitment, achievement, innovation, practice and leadership in water stewardship in their community. This award is part of a larger strategy to improve stewardship of our valuable water resources and foster best practices across Canada.

Mr. Speaker, I’m happy to announce the 2014 award winner from this province is the Northeast Avalon Atlantic Coastal Action Program. This group is an environmental citizens’ organization which works with all sectors of the community, including all three levels of government, to protect and enhance the aquatic environmental quality of watersheds and coastlines.

Northeast Avalon Atlantic Coastal Action Program has a long history of environmental stewardship since its inaugural project in 1993 when it focused on the issue of raw sewage in St. John’s Harbour. Today, this dedicated group plays a major role in water quality monitoring throughout the Northeast Avalon region and is actively involved in public outreach activities and scientific studies, acting as a community advisor and partnering with various organizations to protect aquatic environments. Through these activities they prove their commitment to being stewards of water resources in the province every day.

Mr. Speaker, this government recognizes the fundamental importance of water, and our collective obligation to be responsible water stewards for Newfoundland and Labrador, for Canada, and for the world.

The Excellence in Water Stewardship Award publicly recognizes leaders in the field of water stewardship and rewards remarkable achievement. Congratulations to the Northeast Avalon Atlantic Coastal Action Program.

Thank you.

2014 11 19                                        2:35 p.m.