Government of Canada supports environment while helping graduates obtain work experience

Minister Aglukkaq announces funding that will create jobs and support key priorities of the National Conservation Plan

FREDERICTON, May 21, 2014 /CNW/ - Today, Minister Aglukkaq announced $1.1 million to fund internships that offer graduates opportunities to develop knowledge and skills that will open doors to employment. Minister Aglukkaq was joined by the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Member of Parliament for Fredericton.

The Science Horizons Youth Internship Program gives recent post-secondary graduates opportunities to gain experience that will prepare them for sustainable employment in the environmental science fields such as conservation. This program supports the key priorities of the National Conservation Plan (NCP), which was recently launched by Prime Minister Harper. The NCP will provide a shared and coherent vision to advance conservation efforts across the country. It will enable Canadians across the country to conserve and restore lands and waters, and enhance the connections between citizens and natural spaces.

Through collaborative partnerships with organizations that have been awarded Science Horizons funding, post-secondary graduates receive hands-on experience working full-time on environmental projects in internships lasting a minimum of six months.

The Science Horizons Youth Internship Program supports the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy. This program helps young graduates gain the skills, work experience and abilities they need to make a successful transition into the labour market.

Quick Facts

• Since 1997, through the Science Horizons Youth Internship Program, Environment Canada has encouraged employers to sponsor approximately 1,500 post-secondary graduates to participate in science internships.
  
  
• This year, employers across Canada will hire 93 graduates giving young men and women practical work experience to pursue careers in science. Up to a maximum of $12,000 in Science Horizons funding is available to organizations for each approved internship.

Quotes

"Our Government has been playing a leadership role in supporting graduates and youth employment as seen with the Prime Minister's recent announcement to support paid internships for post-secondary graduates. The exciting part about today's funding announcement is that it promotes collaborative environmental partnerships which directly support our Government's National Conservation Plan. The National Conservation Plan announced last week by Prime Minister Harper is a concrete plan that commits to helping conserve and restore our natural heritage across the country."

- The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council

"Today's announcement is built on collaborative partnerships, which is so important to the National Conservation Plan. The Government of Canada's investment in our youth today will help us grow tomorrow's workforce. It will also help contribute to Canada's long-term growth, competitiveness and overall prosperity."

- The Honourable Keith Ashfield, P.C., Member of Parliament for Fredericton

"Projects have continuously provided valuable work experience and networking opportunities for interns, while allowing our organization to expand its mandate and provide leadership on important environmental issues."

- Donald Killorn, Executive Director, Eastern Charlotte Waterways Inc.

Associated Links

For more information and to view a backgrounder on this announcement, please visit the Web site of Environment Canada.

Environment Canada Science Horizons Program

Youth Employment Strategy

SOURCE: Environment Canada

Contacts

Amanda Gordon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441

Media Relations
Environment Canada
819-934-8008

Environment Canada's Twitter page

Environment Canada's Facebook page