The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture:

Speaker, this is National Wildlife Week and I would like to take this opportunity to invite residents to learn about the many benefits provided by our province’s wildlife and to encourage everyone to take time and enjoy all that our wonderful outdoors has to offer.

We will be celebrating all week, and will conclude by hosting a National Wildlife Week Expo to promote awareness of our province’s wildlife. This unique event will take place this Sunday, April 10, at the St. John’s Farmer’s Market from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free, and we are inviting everyone to take part in the fun.

The Expo will include representation from local science education organizations, local artisans engaged in wildlife-minded works, as well as other organizations that support wildlife conservation, biodiversity and sustainable use of wildlife.

There will be prize giveaways and a wide array of activities to educate and entertain the public, including environmental and wildlife-themed booths, activities and games, hands-on demonstrations and eco-science vendors.

For more information and interesting facts about National Wildlife Week, check out the ‘Friends of Salmonier Nature Park’ Facebook page.

Finally, I would like to thank staff in the department for their dedicated efforts planning this event and their ongoing work to manage, highlight and promote the wildlife resources of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you.