Harper Government invests in new protections for species at risk on agricultural lands in Nova Scotia

TRURO, NS, June 22, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, Member of Parliament Scott Armstrong, on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, announced an investment of $52,639 over two years for a new project in Nova Scotia as part of the Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands (SARPAL) initiative.

This SARPAL project provides support to the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture to promote the protection and conservation of several species at risk on Nova Scotia farms, including several priority species: Bank Swallow, Barn Swallow, Common Nighthawk, Short-eared Owl, Bobolink and Wood Turtle.

The Government of Canada is funding the project as part of the National Conservation Plan, which includes $50 million over five years to support voluntary actions to conserve species and restore their habitats.

Investments under SARPAL go towards projects that are focused on working with the agricultural community to conserve habitat that supports species at risk.

Quick Facts

• SARPAL is an important part of the National Conservation Plan and includes a $6.2 million investment over five years to protect species at risk.
• In May 2014, Prime Minister Stephen Harper launched the National Conservation Plan, which builds on and coordinates conservation efforts across the country with an emphasis on enabling Canadians to conserve and restore lands and waters while making it easier for citizens in cities to connect with nature.
• The Government of Canada is investing $252 million in the National Conservation Plan to conserve Canada's natural heritage, restore degraded ecosystems and connect Canadians to nature.
• Since 2006, the Government of Canada has supported partners in the delivery of hundreds of local projects to protect species at risk and their habitats, through programs such as the Habitat Stewardship Program and the Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk.
• Under the Habitat Stewardship Program, the Government of Canada has invested over $96 million to support 1,557 local conservation projects, benefitting the habitat of 431 species at risk.

Quotes

"Our Government recognizes the important role that Canadian farmers play in managing agricultural lands across the country and conserving habitat that supports wildlife. As part of the National Conservation Plan, we are working with farmers to advance effective stewardship of Canada's rich natural heritage for present and future generations. Today's announcement builds on the significant progress we have made as a Government to conserve ecologically sensitive lands and protect Canada's environment."
– The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council

"Our Government is pleased to support the conservation efforts of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture. This investment will encourage partnerships and improved coordination in the protection and conservation of species at risk."
– Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland — Colchester — Musquodoboit Valley

"Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture is happy to be working with Environment Canada to develop resources that will help farmers protect species at risk on their farms."
– Chris van den Heuvel, President, Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture

Related Product

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

Associated Link

• National Conservation Plan Webpage.

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