June 28, 2006

Over 3,100 young people in communities across the province will benefit from the latest round of Environmental Youth Corps (EYC) grants, Conservation Minister Stan Struthers said today at Wellington Elementary School near downtown Winnipeg, site of one of 49 projects.

"About 150 students will have the opportunity to help plant a boreal forest at Wellington School, joining thousands of other young Manitobans across the province in experiencing environmental responsibility and making the world a better place," said the minister. "There is no better time to instill a sense of stewardship and hope for the future of the planet than at a young age."

In this first round of approved projects, just over $88,500 was made available to support 3,170 youth participating in Environmental Youth Corps projects. The Wellington Elementary School project received $2,900 to establish an outdoor classroom by planting vegetables, trees and shrubs.

Projects approved under the EYC program are eligible for up to $5,000 in financial assistance to cover costs such as materials and supplies, equipment rental and transportation. Projects must relate to environmental protection, enhancement, rehabilitation, conservation and resource management. The remaining intake dates for applications are 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 targeted funding program under the Sustainable Development Innovations Fund. Other targeted funding programs are the Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention (WRAPP) Fund, the Manitoba Climate Change Action Fund and the Water Stewardship 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.

A list of this year’s grant recipients can be found at: http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/pollutionprevention/eyc/index.html.

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