Minister for the Day

The MFTD program is an ongoing part of Alberta Environment’s wetland education program that supports Grade 5 teachers and students. MFTD includes a classroom component and an Edmonton event component. For the classroom component, students are required to apply their learning regarding wetlands as well as provide their ideas around environmental priorities and on how to motivate Albertans to change their behavior and become better stewards of Alberta wetlands. The entries are sent to Alberta Environment for judging and the top students and their teachers are invited to participate in an event in Edmonton where the students learn more about governing the environment and personal stewardship. During the day in Edmonton the students have the opportunity to share their concerns and ideas with Alberta Environment staff. They also typically participate in a briefing, tour of the Legislature including the Ministers Office, and a media event.

“When I see this kind of excitement generated by Minister for the Day and the enriched learning taking place, the rewards are highly motivated students who have become critical and creative thinkers.” - Teacher

“I think it is important for the students to involve themselves in opportunities like this. I believe that they become more aware of their 'lives' or involvement in other things when they are asked to write about it and think 'outside the box'. They were amazed at all the ways that they help, or are involved, in environmental issues at their age level.” - Teacher

2008 MFTD Program Summary
2008 Press Release and Backgrounder