Harper Government Invests in New Projects to Protect and Conserve Species under the National Conservation Plan

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 22, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Peter Van Loan, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, and Stella Ambler, Member of Parliament for Mississauga South, announced more than $12 million over three years to fund projects starting in 2015‑16 under the Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk.

The Habitat Stewardship Program provides incentives for a range of stakeholders to take voluntary stewardship actions to protect species at risk, conserve their habitats and prevent further species from becoming a conservation concern.

This year, the Government of Canada is taking a number of actions under the Habitat Stewardship Program which include:

• Investing over $8 million over the next three years to support more than 80 new local conservation projects through the Habitat Stewardship Program's Species at Risk Funding Stream, which encourages voluntary stewardship actions to restore and conserve species at risk and their habitats; and, 
• Investing almost $4 million over the next three years to support approximately 60 new local conservation projects through the Habitat Stewardship Program's Prevention Stream, which prevent other priority species from becoming a conservation concern.

Programs like the Habitat Stewardship Program are an important part of the Government of Canada's National Conservation Plan to conserve and restore our lands and waters, and connect Canadians to nature. The stewardship of habitats for all species is important to maintain healthy ecosystems and wildlife populations.

Quick Facts

• New funding of approximately $28 million over five years to expand Habitat Stewardship Program was announced when Prime Minister Stephen Harper launched the National Conservation Plan last year.
• Since 2006, under the Habitat Stewardship Program, the Government of Canada has invested over $99 million to support over 1,550 local conservation projects, benefitting the habitat of more than 430 species at risk.
• Since 2006, the Government of Canada has taken important steps to conserve and restore Canada's natural environment and help connect Canadians to its rich natural heritage by:
  • securing almost 4,000 km² of ecologically sensitive private lands;
  • adding an area nearly twice the size of Vancouver Island to the network of federal protected areas

Quotes

"Under the National Conservation Plan, we are building a stronger Canada by taking action to protect habitat for species at risk through programs, such as the Habitat Stewardship Program. Our Government understands that sustaining biodiversity means healthy communities, sustainable livelihoods, and a conservation effort that benefits all Canadians who love the outdoors."
– The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

"Our Government is proud to support the environmental efforts of local communities, like right here in Mississauga, through the Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk. With new funding under the National Conservation Plan, the Government is committed to working closely with Canadians to provide effective stewardship of Canada's rich natural heritage."
– Stella Ambler, Member of Parliament for Mississauga South

"Holcim Canada is pleased to have the support of the Federal Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk as we, in partnership with the Credit Valley Conservation Authority, do our part to be responsible stewards of the environment and promote biodiversity. We recognize the opportunity we have with this project to make a lasting, positive impact to protect species at risk, and the potential to create an example for others to follow."
– John Pontarollo, Senior Vice President, Holcim (Canada) Inc.

Related Product

For more information and to view a backgrounder on this announcement, please visit the Government of Canada's website.

Associated Links

More information on the Species at Risk Act and the Habitat Stewardship Program is available online.

Learn more about the National Conservation Plan.

Environment Canada's Twitter page

Environment Canada's Facebook page

SOURCE Environment Canada

Shane Buckingham, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of the Environment, 819-997-1441; Media Relations, Environment Canada, 819-934-8008