Archived News Releases

Sisler High School Teacher Recognized as Green Champion

The recipients of the 2013 Manitoba Excellence in Sustainability Awards were announced today by Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh.

“We continue to be encouraged by the support for our goal of reducing our impact on the environment and it’s great to see the variety of projects coming forward that will really make a difference,” said Minister Mackintosh.  “Congratulations to these award winners forthe work they’ve done to make change and create awareness of the importance of taking action.”

TomorrowNow – Manitoba’s Green Plan highlights sustainability issues and this year’s award winners demonstrate that private- and public-sector organizations are eager to support that goal, the minister added.  

This year’s Champion for Sustainability is Lauren Sawchuk, a home economics teacher at Sisler High School who has implemented projects like composting, gardening and recycling into her classroom and her students’ daily lives.

Other award winners and their categories include:

• The University of Winnipeg – action on climate change, air quality and energy efficiency;
• École St. Avila School Ground Greening Project, Winnipeg – sustainability in water and natural area stewardship;
• Fruit Share volunteers and fruit owners, Winnipeg – sustainability in pollution prevention and product stewardship;
• Lord Nelson School, Winnipeg – education for sustainability;
• Exner E-Waste Processing Inc., Morden – innovation and research for sustainability;
• Folly Forest at Strathcona School, Winnipeg – sustainable community; and
• Food Matters Manitoba, Winnipeg – outstanding achievement.

The Manitoba Round Table for Sustainable Development is an advisory board that provides advice and support to the provincial government about responsible resource management, land use and environmental, social and economic development.  

The Manitoba Excellence in Sustainability Awards honour people, projects and ideas that successfully turn the province’s principles and guidelines of sustainable development into concrete and lasting achievements.

More information on TomorrowNow – Manitoba’s Green Plan is available at: www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/tomorrownowgreenplan/.

- 30 -

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED