OTTAWA – May 13, 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. Related Documents: EcoAction Community Funding Program [2005-05-13, Backgrounder] EcoAction Web Site [Information collection] Moving Forward on Climate Change: A Plan for Honouring our Kyoto Commitment [2005-04-13, News Release] For more information, please contact: André Lamarre Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Environment (819) 997-1441 Sébastien Bois Media Relations Environment Canada (819) 953-4016
