12 November 2010
Kempt, Nova Scotia
A research and education co-operative located in the UNESCO - designated Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve is expanding its facilities with support from the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
"Our government's investment of $100,000 in this valuable project enhances the ability of the Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute (MTRI) to educate the public on conservation, sustainable resource management, and preservation of our natural resources," said Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret's, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. "This type of research creates a brighter future for us all, promoting an appreciation and understanding of our environment and how new innovative thinking can create sustainable economic growth."
Funding for this project will support the construction of a two-story, 16 x 28 foot addition to MRTI's field station facility. The new, carbon-neutral addition will house a community room with space for public presentations, training workshops, and community meetings, a lab space and updated equipment. The existing multi-purpose room will include space for offices and public displays.
The Province of Nova Scotia has invested over $75,000 for the expansion of MTRI's facilities.
Vicki Conrad, MLA for Queens, speaking on behalf of Minister of Environment Sterling Belliveau, said "Our government is pleased to have provided financial support for this worthwhile project, which will benefit our environment while creating good jobs and growing the economy in our province."
"This expansion will allow us to achieve energy efficiency through the use of several innovative, green technologies that are generally underutilized," said Colin Gray, Chair of the MTRI. "The introduction of these technologies will contribute to the overall health of our community--serving as an example of the benefits of energy conservation."
The Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute provides office work space and basic accommodations for researchers carrying out studies in the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve in Queens County, Nova Scotia. The mission of MTRI is to advance collaborative research, monitoring, and management that promotes sustainable use of resources and biodiversity conservation.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The UNESCO designated Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute in Kempt is expanding, following an investment of $100,000 from the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and more than $80,000 from the Province of Nova Scotia.
MP Gerald Keddy said the expansion will enhance the Institute's ability to educate the public on the issues of conservation, sustainable resource management, and preservation of natural resources.
The Institute will add a two-story, 16 x 28 foot expansion to the Institute's field station including a community room, lab space, and updated equipment.
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INFORMATION:
Christopher Brooks Senior
Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-4790/902-789-5184 (cell)
Email : Chris.Brooks@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Lori Errington
Communications Advisor
Environment - ecoNova Scotia
902-424-4422/902-497-7324 (cell)
Email: erringla@gov.ns.ca
