Are you a consumer champion? Albertans are invited to put their best work forward and send in submissions to the third Alberta Consumer Champion Awards. The awards recognize those who demonstrate commitment and innovation in educating consumers and promoting fairness in the Alberta marketplace.

“The Alberta Consumer Champion Awards recognize real champions - those Albertans who have demonstrated excellence in promoting fairness in the province’s marketplace,” said Heather Klimchuk, Minister of Service Alberta. “We encourage everyone in the province who has gone above and beyond to advocate for consumers, or who knows an individual or organization who has done so, to send in a submission.”

This year’s awards include a new youth consumer poster competition that encourages youth aged 15 to 18 to learn about consumer issues affecting them in the marketplace and gives them a chance to become eligible for awards of $1000, $500 or $250. The youth category is one of five awards categories: non-profit organizations; industry and trade associations; businesses; and media.

In addition to the five awards categories, the Minister’s Award is presented annually to recognize an individual’s long-term contributions to a fair and just Alberta marketplace.

Deadline for submissions is November 28. The award ceremony will be held in March 2009. Eligibility and judging criteria, guidelines and submission criteria can be found online at:www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/Consumer_Info.cfm