Input of Mi’kmaq Students Helps Name Provincial Soil

Premier’s Office
May 28, 2008
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The research and lobbying efforts of the Waycobah High School Envirothon Team have helped create a new symbol for Nova Scotia – Queens Soil.

The Provincial Soil Act was introduced by Premier Rodney MacDonald on Tuesday, May 27 and, with the co-operation of all parties, the bill passed the same day.”The students, under the leadership of their teacher and additional resource people, researched the subject for the Canon Environthon,” said Premier MacDonald. “They indicated that the province had not designated any soil as a provincial symbol, and suggested that it should be included as part of our official symbols. The passage of the bill yesterday adds Queens Soil to that list.”

The Canon Envirothon is an annual competition where teams compete for recognition and scholarships by demonstrating their knowledge of environmental science and natural resource management. The teams focus on four universal testing categories — soils/land use, aquatic ecology, forestry and wildlife — and a current environmental issue.

Queens Soil is significant to agriculture and forestry in Nova Scotia. It is developed from reddish brown clay loam till, derived from red shales and mudstones.

“These students and their dedicated volunteer leaders have shown a real passion and leadership throughout this competition, for their subject and their province,” Premier MacDonald said. “I am pleased that their efforts paid off this week and are now enshrined in provincial legislation.”

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Media Contact: Wade Keller
Premier’s Office
902-424-6600
E-mail: kellerwm@gov.ns.ca