REVELSTOKE, British Columbia, June 9, 2005 -- On behalf of the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment, the Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry, today announced that Parks Canada will contribute up to $15,000 over the next five years to the Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology. This contribution will help the Institute continue its activities in support of ecosystem management in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks and the North Columbia Mountains. "Working with partners such as the Columbia Mountains Institute helps Parks Canada to continue being a recognized leader in research and natural heritage conservation," said Minister Dion. "It enhances our ability to present, protect and preserve Canada's unique heritage places." "We are proud of the partnership we have built together with the Columbia Mountains Institute," said Minister Emerson. "Through cooperative activities such as this we can foster a greater understanding and appreciation of our country and its natural areas." The Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology is a non-profit society established in 1996 to promote, facilitate and support cooperative interdisciplinary research centred in the Columbia River Basin of southeastern British Columbia. The Institute seeks to collaborate with individuals and organizations conducting ecological research in the Columbia Basin, and to communicate knowledge of the Basin to the public, educators, decision makers and other researchers. A previous collaboration between Parks Canada and the Columbia Mountains Institute provided the Institute with financial and in-kind support for many activities and programs, including supporting ecological research through its Web site and e-mail bulletins, and several workshops and courses, including the annual researchers' meeting. Information: Brigitte Caron Press Secretary Office of the Minister of the Environment (819) 997-1441 Pamela Doyle Field Unit Superintendent Mount Revelstoke and Glacier Parks Canada (250) 837-7500
