Minister for the Day

Tuesday June 3, 2008

This year fifteen grade five students from across the province earned the opportunity to spend the day finding out what it is like to be Alberta 's Minister of Environment. Once again, they tackled tough environmental issues and responded to questions on protecting the environment and what they would do if they were the Minister of Environment.

The MFTD program is an ongoing part of Alberta Environmentâ€™s wetland education program that supports Grade 5 teachers. For the in-class component of the MFTD program, students completed a booklet that captured their ideas around environmental priorities and on how to motive Albertans to change their behavior and become better stewards of Alberta wetlands.

The booklets were submitted to Alberta Environment for judging. This year, over 700 student entries were received and the top students were invited to Edmonton to participate in the June 3 event.

The day in Edmonton began with the students receiving a briefing on their schedule for the day and a discussion on roles within the Alberta Government. The group then learned how bills are passed by participating in a mock Legislature. They also toured the legislature building, the Ministerâ€™s Office and the Premierâ€™s Office. The morning ended with the students meeting with the Minister to discuss their concerns about the environment.

In the afternoon, students and teachers were introduced by Minister Renner in the Legislature. They then learned more about personal action and signed their One Simple Act pledges. Then it was off to a press conference in the Legislature Media room which resulted in some of the students being featured during the evening news.

2008 MFTD Program Summary

Press Release and Backgrounder

See highlights from the MFTD 2008 event in Edmonton

“It is an unforgettable experience for both teachers and students.” -Teacher

“I believe that each of the students can commit to at least one simple act to help improve our environment. Students from other classes can participate to make it an entire school commitment.” -Teacher

“This program, whether chosen as Minister or not, provides students with the opportunity to share their insights with other people and make a difference to their community and future of our planet. The media room was the best!!! Voicing their opinions and being heard was the most important aspect of this day.” -Teacher

The 2008 Minister for the Day students and teachers.
The students discuss environmental issues with Minister of Environment Rob Renner.	Minister Renner and the students share their thoughts at a press conference in the Legislature media room.

Minister for the Day

Liam Hawkins, 10, Canmore, Lawrence Grassi Middle School

"These are some of my reasons to be Minister for the Day: I would like to save the wetlands so I can continue to live and hike in a cleaner environment."

Deputy Minister for the Day

Kassandra Moores, 10, Elk Point, Elk Point Elementary School:

"If people like me and you protect our fresh water supplies and not waste water, by not having long showers, by shutting off taps, then we can save at least some of the wetlands."

Matthew Bouchard, 10, Canmore, Lawrence Grassi Middle School

"Pollution is a big factor in global warming and if global warming continues to get worse we're looking at glaciers retreating twice as fast as they're supposed to be. Global warming could affect so much more if we don't take action sooner."

Owen Scheper, 10, Bonnyville, H.E. Bourgoin School

"I want to encourage society to not be so wasteful with material goods and natural resources."

Brenna Dishan-Novik, 10, Canmore, Lawrence Grassi Middle School

"I want to discuss new ideas to motivate kids like me to reduce, reuse and recycle. I also want to talk about why it is critical to protect wetlands."

Christian Fibke, 10, Edmonton, St. Bernadette School

"I think it is important for students to get involved with saving and protecting our environment. We are the future leaders of our community, province and country."

Krista Donkersloot, 10, Calgary, Louis Riel School

"Greenhouse gases increase global warming and global warming can cause extreme weather events like tornadoes, more forest fires, winter storms and damage to water resources."

Lisa Khuu, 10, Calgary, Penbrooke Meadows School

"We need to keep the wetlands alive because wetlands help prevent floods and act like sponges to water. They absorb all the pollution in the water to keep the water safe."

Jordyn Mee, 10, Calgary, Ranchlands Elementary School

"Every individual can make a big difference in our society. One way they could make a difference is by volunteering in clean-up work."

Alyssa Birch, 10, St. Albert, Muriel Martin School

"Most of Alberta's pollution is because of our cars. If we walked to more places or take the public transit system, it would reduce the pollution caused by cars."

Hannah Latta, 10, Strathcona County, Fultonvale School

"It makes me feel good to do a good thing for the environment."

Morgan Campbell, 10, Stony Plain, Parkland County, High Park School

"Pollution is an ugly thing. Let's go green!"

Riley Hudson, 11, Stony Plain, Parkland County, High Park School

"Air is my first priority because we all need it to live. When the air is polluted, some of us have health problems."

Joel Fong, 10, Calgary, Rundle College Elementary School

"Alberta is suited to the production of solar power because of the large number of sunny days. Also the southwest corner of Alberta is suited to the making of electricity from wind. Wind and solar power are cleaner sources of energy than oil, coal and natural gas."

Madison McCoy, 10, Calgary, Rundle College Elementary School

"I think that if we encourage and increase the use of city transportation like trains and buses, that will reduce the amount of traffic and polluted air."