Ref. #2-3533
OTTAWA, ONTARIO (August 31, 2011) – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, announced today the renewal of the ecoENERGY for Aboriginal and Northern Communities Program, which will build on the progress already made in assisting communities to mitigate climate change.
“This investment reinforces Canada's commitment to working with communities to address the effects of climate change,” said Minister Duncan. “The program's emphasis is on supporting Aboriginal and northern off-grid communities to develop clean energy projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
“The Government of Canada is committed to improving energy efficiency across the country,” said the Honourable John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Ottawa West-Nepean. “Investments to mitigate climate change will help to improve the air we breathe and will also help protect our environment for future generations.”
The ecoENERGY for Aboriginal and Northern Communities Program will receive $20 million over the next five years (2011-2016). This funding will support pre-feasibility and feasibility studies of renewable energy projects as well as the design and construction of energy projects integrated within community buildings.
“Mitigating the effects of climate change can take time,” stated James Lunney, MP for Nanaimo–Alberni. “Communities that benefitted from support under the original program will be able to continue their work with funding from this renewed investment.”
This year, applications for funding will be accepted until October 3, 2011. Interested parties can visit Climate Change for more information and for proposal templates. This program will continue the ongoing engagement of Aboriginal and northern communities, provincial and territorial governments, industry and utilities moving forward with energy efforts.
The ecoENERGY for Aboriginal and Northern Communities Program received $15 million from 2007 to 2011 and enabled Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada to facilitate collaborative project partnerships. The program contributed to energy efficiency efforts and supported existing opportunities for clean energy development at the community level. In total, over 96 communities were supported and 124 projects funded.
For more information on the ecoENERGY for Aboriginal and Northern Communities Program and other ecoENERGY initiatives, please visit Climate Change or ecoACTION.
Minister's Office
Moira Wolstenholme
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
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