Management of Youth Conservation Corps Transferred to Clean Nova Scotia

Young people in the province will continue to gain experience in the environment field thanks to a new agreement signed by the Department of Environment and Clean Nova Scotia.

The agreement transfers day-to-day management of the Youth Conservation Corps from the Department of Environment to Clean Nova Scotia, starting Sept. 15.

"We value the work of the Youth Corps and we're committed to ensuring it continues," said Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau. "Clean Nova Scotia has helped manage the Youth Corps program for years and it has done a great job. We want to build on that success."

Clean Nova Scotia has partnered with the Department of Environment to deliver the Youth Conservation Corps program since 2003.

"We are so pleased to have this opportunity and we're committed to making the Youth Corps a vital part of the future of Clean Nova Scotia," said Judy McMullen, executive director. "Clean Nova Scotia has always employed youth, mentored them in environmental awareness, and inspired them to seek careers in this sector, so it's a perfect fit."

As a non-profit environmental organization, Clean Nova Scotia can apply for federal government funding the Department of Environment is not eligible for.

Since 2003, Clean Nova Scotia has applied to the federal government's Summer Job Program to fund salaries for the Youth Conservation Corps Summer Program and administer payroll for youth enrolled in the program.

The Youth Conservation Corps was established in 1989 to provide Nova Scotia youth with training and employment opportunities.

Clean Nova Scotia is a non-profit environmental organization with a focus on inspiring environmental change in the areas of waste reduction, climate change and energy, water stewardship, transportation and air quality.

For more information on the Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps, visit http://www.gov.ns.ca/nse/youth/.