Executive Council

May 13, 2014

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Steve Kent, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement:

Minister Recognizes Caring Canadian Award Winner

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in this Honourable House to recognize a local volunteer who was honoured last month in Ottawa and presented with the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award, given to Canadians who selflessly dedicate their time and energy to others.

As a student at Memorial University, Sophie Harrington became a driving force with Enactus, a non-profit international organization which mobilizes university students to develop outreach projects that improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in need.

Through Enactus, universities and colleges around the world compete in regional and national competitions for the chance to demonstrate the impact of their community projects at the world championship each year. During her time at Enactus, Sophie managed a team of 73 volunteers and 23 projects, including Launch Pad, Canada's first student-run entrepreneurial incubation centre, and Think Green, an initiative to help elementary school students run their own recycling businesses.

Now, as an alumna of the program she continues to mentor the Memorial University team and sits on their Business Advisory Board, and also Chairs their Alumni Advisory Board. She continues to give back to the national organization as their volunteer photographer and designer and was Enactus Canada’s Alumna of the Year.

Sophie also serves on the volunteer board for Lakecrest Independent School, has volunteered with TEDxStJohns, and sits on the executive of Mile Zero Ultimate, St. John’s Ultimate Frisbee League, where she helped to grow its membership and assisted in developing a number of initiatives to make ultimate frisbee safer and more accessible.

Mr. Speaker, recognizing the importance youth play in helping to shape the future of Newfoundland and Labrador, Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook provides approximately $640,000 in funding to more than 30 organizations that support youth engagement activities and learning opportunities for young people, and an additional $2.5 million has been allocated for 34 Community Youth Networks across the province.

These investments include our annual URock Volunteer Awards, which honour youth and youth-led organizations. The 2014 awards are taking place two days from now at the Glacier in Mount Pearl.

Mr. Speaker, by celebrating the achievements of Newfoundland and Labrador’s young people, we are inspiring all residents to contribute to the future growth and development of their communities.

I invite all members to join me in congratulating Sophie Harrington for receiving the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award, and for her dedication to giving back to her community.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2014 05 13 1:50 p.m.