SUCCESSFUL INAUGURAL YEAR FOR GREEN TEAM

Released on September 29, 2004

The province's inaugural Green Team had a busy and productive summer providing students with valuable job experiences contributing to the environmental efforts of communities and businesses across Saskatchewan.

"Green Team 2004 was a resounding success due to the enthusiasm and enterprise of Saskatchewan youth," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty said. "They undertook a variety of jobs in virtually every corner of the province and applied their knowledge, skills and talents toward helping all of us realize a green and prosperous economy in Saskatchewan."

"The Green Team provided students with a great opportunity to learn about the environment and gain valuable employment experience at the same time," Saskatchewan Environment Minister David Forbes said. "I also want to thank the Environmental Industry and Managers Association for their role in administering the program. Their participation as our industry partner helped make this year a success."

More than 100 high school and post-secondary students participated in the provincial summer employment initiative aimed at providing young people with valuable work experience and mentorship in the environmental sector. Participating employers received grants to hire students in positions ranging from instructors at children's ecology camps to members of environmental clean-up crews to tour guides. Program evaluations show that employers, students and the environment all benefited tremendously from the initiative.

"We hired two students through this program and it was a great benefit for all," Hudson Bay Heritage Park Superisor Cathy Paproski said. "The students learned to appreciate nature and how to preserve and protect it. They took great pride and joy in their summer job duties. Our organization also gained from this experience by making our park more appealing to the public. The Green Team is a win-win situation for everyone involved."

"Ground Effects Environmental Services and the Green Team initiative provided me the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and experience in all aspects of the environmental market," Green Team student Brett Cain said. "The knowledge and experience I gained provided me a chance to explore future careers and endeavors in the environmental sector."

Cain's Green Team position with the Regina-based manufacturer of environmental remediation equipment has evolved into an ongoing part-time position.

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For More Information, Contact:

Janet Peters Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4967