Quebec
City, February 6, 2008- The Honourable Josée
Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status
of Women and Official Languages, and Minister
responsible for the Region of Quebec, on
behalf of the Honourable John Baird, Minister
of the Environment, announced today that
our Government has taken action and intends
to continue to fund and provide services
to visitors and hunters at the Cap Tourmente
National Wildlife Area.
"The Cap Tourmente
National Wildlife Area, which is part of
a network of 51 wildlife areas across Canada,
is one of this country's key conservation
areas," said Minister Verner. "This
exceptional territory was created to protect
thebulrush marsh, the main habitat of Greater
Snow Geese during migration. I am proud
that our Government intends to keep funding
this important natural treasure."
The Cap Tourmente Wildlife
Area receives more funding than any other
wildlife area in the country. These resources
are used first and foremost to support the
wildlife area's conservation mission.
Each year, Environment
Canada invests approximately $1 million
in the Cap Tourmente Wildlife Area, a quarter
of this amount being allocated for visitor
and interpretation services. Environment
Canada will also continue to provide maintenance
for existing facilities and proper services
for visitors.
In 2008-2009, $375,000
(the same amount currently allocated), will
be budgeted for these services, as well
as coordination services for the controlled
hunting of the Greater Snow Goose in the
wildlife area.
The Cap Tourmente Wildlife
Area, located on the north shore of the
St. Lawrence River 50 km east of Quebec
City, was designated a wetland of international
importance in 1981. This area also plays
a unique role in the autumn migration of
the Greater Snow Goose. Since 1973, the
wildlife area has offered a controlled Greater
Snow Goose hunting program, and visitor
and interpretation services on the conservation
of habitats and wildlife species. It is
also home to a major historical heritage
site, given its history and the heritage
buildings located on it.
Eric Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
