Environment and Conservation
April 27, 2015

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

Nominations Sought for the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remind all members of this Honourable House that nominations for the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards are now being accepted and the deadline of May 1 is fast approaching. This annual awards program is an opportunity to recognize environmental achievements in our province and raise awareness of the individuals, groups, schools and businesses who take action to protect and sustain our environment.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Environment and Conservation partners annually with the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board and the Newfoundland and Labrador Women�s Institutes to recognize environmental achievement in the following categories: Individual; Community Group or Organization; Youth, Youth Group or School; Municipality or Regional Waste Management Committee; and Business or Industry Leader.

Each category winner will receive a $1,000 honorarium from the Multi-Material Stewardship Board to be used to continue their environmental project or donated in their name to an environmental organization or cause. Award recipients will be announced during Environment Week, which is taking place June 1�6.

This year�s recipients will join an impressive group of more than 100 environmental stewards who have received awards since the program began in 1990, including last year�s winners, which were Jean Ann Lambert in the Individual category; Emma Power as the Youth winner; the Petty Harbour Aquarium as the winner of the Community Group or Organization award; Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Corner Brook as the winner in the School category; the Town of Labrador City as the Municipality award recipient; and Suncor Energy as the year�s industry leader.

Mr. Speaker, a healthy and sustainable environment yields healthy people, a stronger economy, more vibrant communities and a legacy for which we can be proud. Our commitment to our ecosystem will ensure we meet the social, physical, cultural and economic needs of present and future generations.

This province is filled with environmental leaders, Mr. Speaker, and these awards are an excellent way of recognizing their achievements while raising awareness of the importance of protecting our environment. The deadline for nominations is May 1, and all the information, including nomination applications and eligibility criteria, is available on the Department of Environment and Conservation website.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2015 04 27                              2:00 p.m.