Government of Canada supports healthy ecosystems in Atlantic Canada and the Gulf of Maine
News Release
August 8, 2016 – Halifax, Nova Scotia – Environment and Climate Change Canada
The environment and the economy go hand-in-hand. We can create clean jobs, grow our economy, and protect our environment by working together.
Today, Environment and Climate Change Canada Minister Catherine McKenna announced over $2 million in grants and contributions funding for environmental projects in Atlantic Canada. These projects will give us a better picture of the health of Atlantic ecosystems and will support clean and sustainable communities and long-term economic growth.
Through the Atlantic Ecosystems Initiatives (AEI) Funding Program, a total of $1.3 million was awarded to eight projects that focus on water quality, habitat and biodiversity, and the impact of climate change. The AEI aims to improve the health, productivity and long-term sustainability of ecosystems by supporting projects based on partnerships and collaboration among organizations throughout Atlantic Canada.
The Gulf of Maine Initiative (GMI) focuses on projects that maintain a healthy ecosystem that supports long-term sustainability and economic growth. Four projects in the Gulf of Maine region were awarded over $700,000 through this initiative. The goal of the GMI is to maintain a healthy ecosystem that supports long-term sustainability and economic growth. Projects funded through the GMI support decision making and/or actions that encourage responsible development by increasing the understanding and monitoring of ecosystem health, identifying and reducing key stressors to ecosystem health, and implementing activities that contribute to a healthy ecosystem.
Quote
“Funding programs like the Atlantic Ecosystems Initiatives and the Gulf of Maine Initiative show how the Government of Canada works with Canadians to come up with viable solutions to make Canada stronger, cleaner, and more prosperous. We know we can’t do it alone. We’re committed to working closely with groups like these, to protect our valuable ecosystems and fight climate change.”
– Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Quick facts
- Projects funded through the AEI must be focused on ecosystems in Atlantic Canada, including the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
- AEI projects must address one or more of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s priorities including water quality, habitat and biodiversity, and the impact of climate change across Atlantic Canada.
- The Gulf of Maine is a large watershed spanning much of the provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and the states of Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, which border its coast. It is a highly productive ecosystem that is environmentally significant and economically important to Canada. Over 3,000 marine species and birds are found in the Gulf of Maine, as well as more than 30 species at risk.
- The GMI funds projects in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia that address the impact of human activities on water quality by increased understanding and reduction of stressors, and on habitat and biodiversity by enhanced habitat conservation.
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Caitlin Workman
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
819-938-9436
Media Relations
Environment and Climate Change Canada
819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll free)
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