Harper Government announces new EcoAction initiatives in support of National Conservation Plan

GATINEAU, QC, July 27, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, today announced over $4.4 million in funding for 82 EcoAction Community Funding Program projects across Canada. This funding will support environmental projects to conserve Canada's natural heritage and ensure Canadian families enjoy a clean and healthy environment.

The EcoAction Community Funding Program supports the key pillars of the National Conservation Plan, which was announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in May 2014. The Plan provides a long-term vision to advance conservation efforts across the country and enables Canadians to conserve and restore lands and waters in and around their communities.

The Government of Canada recognizes the integral role that community groups and conservation organizations play in protecting our environment and supports their efforts through several programs, including the EcoAction Community Funding Program.

Quick Facts

• Since 2006, EcoAction has approved $43,677,964 in funding for 1098 projects that engage Canadians in direct environmental activities.
• All EcoAction projects must address one of the following four themes: clean air, clean water, climate change and/or nature.
• For every dollar received through EcoAction, approximately $2.45 is leveraged from other funding partners.
• The National Conservation Plan was launched last year to build on and coordinate stewardship efforts across the country and includes $252 million for environmental initiatives.

Quote

"Our Government is making significant investments that advance the aims of the National Conservation Plan to conserve and restore Canada's lands and water while connecting Canadians to nature in and around their communities. This year's projects will help Canadians across the country protect their local environment—for today and future generations."
– The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council

Associated Link

More information about the EcoAction Community Funding Program is available on Environment Canada's website.

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SOURCE Environment Canada

Contacts: Ted Laking, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of the Environment, 819-997-1441; Media Relations, Environment Canada, 819-934-8008