LUNENBURG, N.S. -- March 15, 2013 -- Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret’s, on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, today announced funding from the EcoAction Community Funding Program for a new environmental project in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation (BCAF) will receive $20,000 in federal funding over two years to support local action to improve air quality and reduce water consumption. “The Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation does a great job in educating citizens about environmental concerns and programs in our community,” said M.P. Keddy. “Environment Canada’s EcoAction Community Funding Program allows eligible groups, like BCAF, to undertake local action projects that protect or conserve our natural environment. This project is a great example that fits those parameters. It encourages residents to refill their drinking bottles using tap water as opposed to buying bottled water. What’s more, it ties in nicely with other federally funded projects that have assisted our municipalities in the development of new water treatment infrastructure for improved drinking water.” “Our government is taking real action to address the environmental priorities of Canadians and ensure we have clean air, clean water, and biologically diverse land for generations to come,” said Minister Kent. “EcoAction Community Funding supports community groups across the country willing to take concrete action through on-the-ground environmental projects. We are proud to partner with these organizations that are committed to conserving Canada’s natural legacy.” As part of this project, the BCAF will partner with the Town of Lunenburg in helping Lunenburg and Queens County residents to reduce waste. The BCAF will also promote the “Blue W” campaign, which encourages people to refill their drinking bottles by using municipal drinking water rather than buying bottled water. The project’s goal is to involve more than 1,000 participants in the campaign, which will reduce both water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. “Everyone can make a difference, that is what this project is about, making a difference. With the funding we are receiving through the EcoAction program, we will work to provide solid waste education and awareness to our community, thus reducing the amount of waste we generate and the amount of greenhouse gases we produce by trucking that waste around,” said Brooke Nodding, Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation. The EcoAction Community Funding Program supports projects that rehabilitate, protect or enhance the natural environment, and builds the capacity of communities and individuals to ensure future protection. This year, the Government of Canada is providing over $4 million for over 100 new projects under this Program. More information about the EcoAction Community Funding Program is available on Environment Canada’s website. Related document: EcoAction Community Funding Program
