RELEASE — The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) is pleased to announce the expansion of the Canadian Conservation Corps (CCC) with six new cohorts to be announced in 2019.
“We’re thrilled with the achievements of the five groups we trained in 2018 and can’t wait to bring six more groups of young adults on board in the new year,” said Rick Bates, CEO of CWF.
As part of the Canada Service Corps, the nine-month CCC program begins with a wilderness journey which is followed by several months of conservation field experience. As part of the graduation requirement, the youth design their own initiatives to build a better Canada. No experience is necessary to apply to the program and a diversity of applicants are selected. More than 20 national partners have helped to make the program a success.
“Over the last nine months I have had the opportunity to visit nine out of 10 Canadian provinces,” said Shannon Anderson, a participant from New Brunswick. “I have climbed my first real mountain. I have touched the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans. I have handed out plants to teachers in Calgary. I have participated in youth service and leadership talks in Toronto. I have chaperoned a youth trip to Northern British Colombia.”
I have been able to see 25 km across prairie and the largest skies in the world,” Anderson continued. “I have helped create over 11 million walleye and 100,000 splake trout. I have tracked northern pike with a hydrophone. I have taken density of oxygen readings. I have helped film educational videos to raise awareness of aquatic invasive species. I have visited a sharp-tailed grouse lek. I have watched bison roam on some of the last remaining native prairie in the world. I have met people and created invaluable friendships from all over Canada. I have had a lot of fun.”
Anderson highly recommends the Canadian Conservation Corps which she describes as a life changing opportunity.
“I am getting the chance to spearhead a women in conservation program and a youth conservation program in Saskatchewan, two things that are very close to my heart.”
“Canada Service Corps is all about providing more youth with an opportunity to build Canada by giving back,” says the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour. “Meaningful opportunities like Canadian Conservation Corps mean more young people will have the chance to practice leadership, develop skills and gain great life and work experiences.”
Visit CanadianConservationCorps.ca for more information or to get involved. #CCCAdventure #CanadaServiceCorps #LeadersToday
About the Canadian Wildlife Federation:
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is a national, not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to fostering awareness and appreciation of our natural world. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, carrying out research, developing and delivering education programs, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, recommending changes to policy and co-operating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians can live in harmony with nature. For more information visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca.
About Canada Service Corps
Canada Service Corps is designed to generate a culture of service among young Canadians; concrete results for communities; personal growth through participation in a diverse team of peers; and lasting impacts on participants.
Young Canadians between 15 and 30 years of age can get involved in service through CSC’s national organizations, or by turning their community service ideas into reality with a micro-grant. Youth are encouraged to visit Canada.ca/CanadaServiceCorps to apply for funding in the fixed amounts of $250, $750 or $1,500. With support from the Government of Canada, TakingITGlobal is delivering and administering these community service grants.
Up to 4,000 young Canadians are expected to be awarded funding by March 2020.
The Canada Service Corps program is being developed for youth, by youth. All young Canadians can have their say in the program by filling out the Tell Us Your Views survey.
Release: Canadian Wildlife Federation
Image: Youtube screencap
