The provincial government is providing support for a Prince Edward Island student to take part in a unique educational expedition to the Arctic, said Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair.
Hardy Strom, a 16 year old Grade 11 student from Union Corner, is taking part in the Students on Ice Arctic Youth Expedition from August 4 to 20. He will join 78 students from around the world on a ship-based program which provides an opportunity to be immersed in hands-on research and activities and lectures taught by polar experts, educators and researchers. The expedition will take them to the Hudson Strait and Baffin Island, Nunavut.
“This program provides an opportunity for people to learn more about the Arctic and its relationship with the global eco-system,” said Mr. LeClair. “It will help create greater understanding and respect for the impact that climate change and other global trends have on our own environment and the resources which it sustains.”
Students on Ice is an award-winning organization which offers educational expeditions to the Antarctic and the Arctic. Its mandate is to provide students, educators and researchers with educational opportunities to help foster a new understanding and respect for the environment. Participants will encounter Arctic wildlife, explore Arctic tundra, visit northern communities and carry out research on board an Arctic icebreaker.
“It is most encouraging to see young people take an active interest in issues affecting the future of oceans,” said Evangeline - Miscouche MLA Sonny Gallant, who presented a cheque on behalf of the provincial government to Hardy.
“I strongly believe that this will be an invaluable learning experience,” said Hardy. He received a $4,000 Arctic scholarship to help finance his participation in the expedition in addition to the support from the provincial government.