OTTAWA - Twenty-nine projects will receive Government of Canada funding to help Canadians access and input geographical information through the Internet. The Honourable Mauril Bélanger, Deputy Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, today announced this boost to the development of on-line geographic data, applications and services in Canada. He made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). "Canada is a world leader in geomatics, and these projects will allow our communities, and all Canadians, to access, use and share geographic information," said Minister Bélanger. "By helping develop innovative applications and services for particular needs, these projects enhance our understanding of the physical world and contribute to our high quality of life." Geomatics is the science and technology of managing geospatial information - location-based information about the geography, people, environment and natural resources of a country - to promote sound decision making on economic, environmental and social priorities. The projects announced fall into two different categories - the first category involves government organizations and the other is for "communities of practice," or groups of users who share a common requirement for geospatial information. Both categories of projects will support the development, delivery and use of innovative geospatial technologies, applications and services. Several projects are developing on-line applications to enable stakeholders in local watersheds to input, view and analyze geospatial information on water resources and quality. Another will provide all Saskatchewan government departments and agencies with Web access to the province's cadastral, or property, data. Industry and the public will be able to access the information through the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI). Government of Canada funding for the projects comes from GeoConnections, a national partnership initiative led by NRCan, that is making Canada's geospatial databases, applications and services readily available on-line. The Government's $3.35-million contribution to these projects has resulted in an additional investment of almost $4.5 million from other partners. Funding for GeoConnections was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget. GeoConnections enhances the quality of life of Canadians by supporting knowledge, innovation and technology in the natural resources sectors, which are vital to Canada's economy and society. It also supports the Government of Canada's agenda of strong social foundations, a strong economy for the 21st century, and ensuring our role of pride and influence in the world. Further information on GeoConnections and the CGDI is available at http://www.geoconnections.org/. For more information, media may contact: Tom Ormsby Ghyslain Charron Office of the Minister Media Relations Natural Resources Canada Natural Resources Canada Ottawa Ottawa (613) 996-2007 (613) 992-4447
