Premier Pat Binns and Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment Chester Gillan expressed condolences today to the family of Courtney Riley. The 17-year-old Kings County youth died Friday as the result of an automobile accident.
"On behalf of all Islanders, I wish to extend deepest sympathies to Mr. and Mrs. Riley, Courtney's brother and sister and other family members," said Premier Binns. "Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this most difficult time."
A student at Montague Regional High School, Courtney worked for the Province the last two summers with the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment, Young Environmentalist Program. Family members and co-workers said she loved her job and couldn't wait to get to work in the mornings.
Minister Gillan noted that Young Environmentalists help to protect and enhance the environment in communities across Prince Edward Island through projects ranging from stream enhancement to building trails.
"I have found that youth involved in the Young Environmentalist Program have a keen interest in the environment around them and are very dedicated to improving their corner of the world," the Minister said. "That was certainly the case with Courtney. She was a bright, caring and accomplished young woman with much to contribute."
Premier Binns and Minister Gillan also expressed regards Monday for the four other young people involved in the automobile accident Friday.
"Our prayers will be with these young people, as well as their families, as they recuperate," said Premier Binns.