Hazardous waste program earns national award for NU municipal training org

A household hazardous waste diversion training program for municipal employees in Nunavut, which will bring landfill operations into compliance with existing environmental acts and regulations, has earned the Nunavut Municipal Training Organization national recognition.

The Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators presented its 2011 Environment Award to the organization for its “Household Hazardous Waste Management Training Program for Operators,” said a June 1 news release from the association.

This award, presented today at the association’s national conference in Halifax, recognizes the commitment of a municipality to environmentally sustainable governance, to protecting the environment and to combating climate change.

“CAMA is pleased to recognize the innovation and administrative excellence demonstrated by the Nunavut Municipal Training Organization for this program,” said Jacques Des Ormeaux, president of the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators and general manager of the City of Bromont, Quebec. “The program will benefit the people and municipalities of Nunavut and has attracted attention from other areas of the country.”

Through the program, the Government of Nunavut’s environment department is piloting a two-week training program for municipal landfill operators, the news release said.

The training program will provide hands-on instruction to support the development of hazardous waste diversion programs for communities in Nunavut, it said.