March 24, 2006

Young people in communities across the province can better understand the environment and how individual efforts can make a difference, Conservation Minister Stan Struthers said today, as he announced the launch of the 2006-07 Environmental Youth Corps (EYC) program.

"The Environmental Youth Corps encourages voluntary participation in activities that help improve and protect Manitoba’s environment," said Struthers. "Our communities benefit from the enthusiasm and commitment of young people who work hard to make improvements we can all enjoy."

Projects must relate to environmental protection, enhancement, rehabilitation, conservation and resource management. Under the EYC program, approved projects are eligible for up to $5,000 in financial assistance to cover project costs such as materials and supplies, equipment rental and transportation. The first intake date for applications is May 5. Other intake dates are June 2, July 7 and Sept. 15.

Charitable and voluntary organizations, environmental organizations, service clubs, schools and local government organizations including municipalities, band councils and Aboriginal organizations can apply for funding support.

The EYC is a program under the Sustainable Development Innovation Fund. Other funding programs are the Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention (WRAPP) Fund and the Manitoba Climate Change Action Fund.

Information on the EYC is available on request from the Manitoba Conservation Pollution Prevention Branch or online at http://www.susdev.gov.mb.ca.

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