OTTAWA, June 7, 2005 -- The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment and the Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans today announced $9.2 million in funding to help protect species at risk and their habitat. The funding supports 153 Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP) projects across Canada. The Habitat Stewardship Program for species at risk is in its sixth year of operation. Its goal is to contribute to the recovery and protection of species listed under the Species at Risk Act as endangered, threatened or of special concern. Since Program inception, Canadian stewardship projects have benefited the habitat of hundreds of species at risk. “The Habitat Stewardship Program enables Canadians to become actively involved in stewardship projects to help secure and restore healthy habitat for species at risk,” said Minister Dion, Minister. “The conservation of species is critical to guide the way to a healthier environment that in turn will allow for Canada’s long-term economic well-being.” Habitat stewardship projects cover a wide range of stewardship activities. For instance, in the Yukon stewards are protecting calving Woodland Caribou habitat to assist in rebuilding the diminished herd. Another HSP project, through targeted public awareness and education programs, will manage near-shore habitat degradation and loss to the Lake Winnipeg Physa Snail. “What makes the Program such a success is the tremendous efforts of dedicated Canadians who are working together across the country to protect species at risk,” said Minister Regan. “Concerned Canadians are working in partnership to protect aquatic species such as Leatherback Turtles, Right Whales, White Sturgeon, Wolffish and many more.” The Habitat Stewardship Program is a partnership-based conservation initiative sponsored by the Government of Canada. The Program is managed cooperatively by Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Parks Canada, and is administered by Environment Canada. It is one of three major components in the Government of Canada Strategy for the Protection of Species at Risk. The other two components are the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk, endorsed by the provinces, territories and the Government of Canada, as well as the Species at Risk Act. More information on the Species at Risk Act, the Habitat Stewardship Program for species at risk, and on Canada’s Strategy for the Protection of Species at Risk, can be found on the Internet at: www.speciesatrisk.gc.ca. Related Document: The Habitat Stewardship Program - 2005-2006 [Backgrounder] For more information, please contact: André Lamarre Director of Communications Office of the Minister of the Environment (819) 997-1441 Sébastien Bois Media Relations Environment Canada (819) 953-4016 Trevor Swerdfager Director General Canadian Wildlife Service (819) 997-1301
