May 13, 2005

Conservation Stan Struthers announced today at the opening of the 2005 Manitoba Envirothon the province is providing $50,000 to the Manitoba Forestry Association (MFA) to support the 2006 Canon Envirothon.

"Representatives from across North America will be in the province from July 23 to 29, 2006, to participate in this environmental competition, which helps to build knowledge about environmental sustainability and develop skills in teamwork, problem solving and public speaking," Struthers said.

The theme for the 2006 event is Water Stewardship in a Changing Climate, which links well with provincial government priorities, Struthers noted.

Envirothon is an Olympic-style event for high school students to participate in team-based, hands-on environmental education activities. Winning teams consisting of five students and two advisors from state and provincial envirothon competitions, held between March and May, will qualify to represent their respective jurisdictions at the 2006 Canon Envirothon competition.

"Hosting the Canon Envirothon in Manitoba next year represents a major accomplishment for the Manitoba Forestry Association," the minister said. "The week- long competition next July will involve thousands of students, advisors, Canon Envirothon committee members, lecturers, testers and volunteers who will have the opportunity to learn about Manitoba, its friendly people and beautiful environment."

The Canon Envirothon competition is hosted annually by a member state or province and is held in one of the designated regions once every five years. This is only the second time this event will have been held in Canada.

Struthers presented a cheque for $15,000, the initial grant instalment to the Manitoba Forestry Association from the Sustainable Development Innovations Fund (SDIF).

SDIF supports a diverse range of projects, from research studies and demonstrations of new technology to community enhancement and environmental awareness. Other targeted funding programs under the SDIF are:

• the Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention Fund,

• the Environmental Youth Corps, and

• the Manitoba Climate Change Action Fund.

More information on these programs is available at http://www.susdev.gov.mb.ca.

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