VANCOUVER - Using the latest geographic information, communities across Canada are now better positioned to manage their local resources and their development. Yesterday, the Honourable Senator Jack Austin announced that the Government of Canada, through GeoConnections, has contributed $3.7 million over the past five years to the Sustainable Communities Initiative (SCI). Senator Austin made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), at Resource Expo 2004 in Vancouver - a major conference focused on increasing Aboriginal participation in resource-related opportunities. "Strengthening and supporting rural, remote, coastal and Aboriginal communities is a real priority for the Government of Canada," said Senator Austin. "With this funding, communities are better equipped to meet land and resource challenges and seize opportunities for a more sustainable future." SCI is part of GeoConnections, a national partnership initiative led by NRCan that provides Canadians with easy access to geographic information, technologies and services over the Internet. Depending on their situations, geographic information can help communities in planning land use, responding to natural disasters and improving services. The SCI helps communities take advantage of modern mapping technologies and geographical information systems to address specific local issues. In total, 109 projects in more than 200 communities took place in every province and territory. Roughly half of these projects have benefited Aboriginal communities. By providing the tools, information, hands-on training and advice, this program ensures communities remain in control of their projects and acquire the information and skills they need to manage their resources in a more sustainable way. This initiative enhances our quality of life by contributing to a strong society and communities - supporting the Government of Canada's commitment to building on the strength of our country and our people. A breakdown of the SCI projects by region and of the funding received by each province and territory is available in the media backgrounder at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media. For more information about the Sustainable Communities Initiative, visit http://www.sci.gc.ca/. Further information on GeoConnections is available at http://www.geoconnections.org/. For more information, media may contact: Tom Ormsby Director of Communications Office of the Minister Natural Resources Canada Ottawa (613) 996-2007 Ghyslain Charron Media Relations Natural Resources Canada Ottawa (613) 992-4447
