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Whitehorse, Yukon (April 23, 2009) - The Government of Canada is helping the Yukon Conservation Society (YCS) deliver economic and environmental benefits to the region through three projects. John Duncan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (INAC) and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, made the announcement today.
"These projects support economic development while also contributing to our understanding of the Yukon's unique environment," said Mr. Duncan. "Economic development and environmental protection are key components of our Government's Northern Strategy."
Through Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED), the YCS has received more than $187,000 for three projects.
Two projects are being funded through SINED's Innovation and Knowledge fund:
The YCS also received $14,877 over two years through the SINED Targeted Investment Program to support a feasibility study for a proposed Ecological Reserve at Lewes River.
"All three of the projects that INAC has funded have both environmental and economic benefits for the Yukon," said Karen Baltgailis, Executive Director of the Yukon Conservation Society. "For example, YCS will sell the Magical Thread DVD as a fund-raiser for our environmental education programs. We anticipate that the DVD will be used in schools and at home as a fun way for children to learn the importance of stewardship of our northern wildlife and ecosystems. The Carbon Fund would be a way for Yukon people to voluntarily offset their carbon footprint from things like flying or driving by donating to a fund that will provide money to Yukon projects that mitigate climate change."
The SINED initiative is a set of programs funded by INAC in the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. The goal of this initiative is to promote economic development in the North, strengthen territories' economies and generate important economic opportunities for Northerners.
This announcement reinforces the Government's work to advance an integrated Northern Strategy that focuses on exercising Canada's Arctic sovereignty, protecting the North's environmental heritage, promoting social and economic development and improving and devolving northern governance.
Backgrounder - Yukon Conservation Society
For more information, please contact:
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160
Line Gagnon
Manager, Communications
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada –Yukon Region
(867) 667-3315
Regional Contacts
Karen Baltgailis
Executive Director
Yukon Conservation Society
(867) 668-5678
