Editorial

It's summer, and Ontario is sunny, green and alive.

What better time for a green issue of Canadian Newcomer? Job Futures has long been saying that occupations in the environmental sector are in a big growth period, and predicting even greater growth in the future. It's a global phenomenon that is likely here to stay.

Over the coming years, motor vehicles will be converting from gasoline to electricity. Wind, thermal and solar power will be supplying much of the energy needed to power our homes, our cars, and eventually, even our industry.

Knowledge of those technologies will be needed, along with people in administrative, clerical, sales and service positions. People from all walks of life will be employed in the process of selling, installing and maintaining these new systems.

Recycling no longer just involves citizens separating the paper and plastics from the rest of the trash, it involves figuring out how to efficiently reuse those recovered materials to create new products. Farming now involves finding new ways of growing things – reducing the need for pesticides and herbicides.

There are entrepreneurial opportunities for savvy business-people looking to take advantage and even get ahead of the trends.

Everyone in our society is becoming more environmentally aware.

So in this Environment Issue, we’ve tried to include stories not just about employment opportunities, but about how we as consumers and citizens are affected by the green movement as well as stories about enjoying the fabulous natural resources we can enjoy as Canadians.

The future is bright – as long as we go into it with our eyes open!