Original Article by: Noelle Munaretto, Metro Canada
Tuesday March 24, 2009

Individuals employed in Canada’s environmental sector are becoming key players in the economy. They are helping businesses attain goals set out to address the demands of their clientele who are growing more eco-aware.

“Often, people know that the environment is as an issue, but they don’t translate that into employment opportunities.” says Michael Kerford, vice-president of ECO Canada.

“With the environment being a key issue ... it is impacting how companies are doing business,” says Kerford. “Inevitably, that greening of the company is creating environmental work.” ECO Canada’s membership now reaches more than 100,000 people.

Although Kerford says the hiring of people in this industry may slow down because of the recession, he believes that the diversity of positions available will only continue to grow.

Diana McKenzie, program leader for the Centre for Sustainability at the University of British Columbia, says sustainability is no longer seen as a trend. It is instead viewed as a viable career path for those who want to make a difference.

“It’s becoming part of all institutions, both private and public, it’s about the opportunity to make a living doing something that you can have a good night’s sleep about,” says Trevelyan. “It’s an attractive idea as opposed to just doing something conventional.”

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