31/05/2005 - The Honourable
Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment,
today announced $3.5 million in Government
of Canada contributions to support 114 community-based
projects across Canada aimed at reduced greenhouse
gas emissions, cleaner air and water, and
the protection of sensitive habitat and species.
“These projects demonstrate the power of
individual communities and individual Canadians
in contributing to a healthier environment
for Canada and the world,” said the Honourable
Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment.
“As Minister of the Environment, I extend
my congratulations to the recipient organizations
as they embark on forging a healthier environmental
future for generations to come.”
The funding comes from Environment Canada’s
EcoAction Community Funding Program, an initiative
designed to help locally-based, non profit
organizations undertake environmental projects
that lead to measurable results and increased
awareness of the role that Canadians can play
in addressing environmental issues.
Half of EcoAction’s annual budget goes to
projects aimed at cleaner air and water and/or
protecting sensitive species and habitat.
The other half is reserved for community projects
supporting the One-Tonne Challenge, an initiative
encouraging Canadians to reduce their annual
greenhouse gas emissions by one tonne. The
One Tonne Challenge is one part of Canada’s
refined climate change plan announced April
13, 2005.
Entitled Moving Forward on Climate Change:
A Plan for Honouring our Kyoto Commitment,
it is the first phase of Project Green a national
project to create a healthier environment
and a stronger economy by combining the efforts
of all Canadians to build a more sustainable
future.
The next submission deadline for proposals
to the EcoAction program is October 1, 2005.
