AMHERST, N.S. – March 14, 2013 – Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland—Colchester—Musquodoboit Valley, 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 the Maritimes. Ducks Unlimited Canada will receive $25,000 in federal funding to support local action to protect water quality, wildlife and natural habitat.
“I am pleased that the Government of Canada is providing support to this Ducks Unlimited wetland program taking place in the Maritimes,” said M.P. Armstrong. “We know that wetlands play a significant role in the ecological diversity of our land. The Atlantic Wetland Care Program will encourage and equip landowners to help to protect and conserve this important part of our ecosystem.”
“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.”
The Atlantic Wetland Care Program’s goal is to target 1,800 landowners in the Maritimes and encourage 25 of them to protect essential wetland habitat. This will improve water resources and waterfowl and associated wetland species’ survival, and foster a stewardship ethic among private landowners. The program will also offer educational opportunities for private landowners such as “Caring for Your Wetland” workshops and other user-friendly educational resources.
“We are pleased to receive this contribution and look forward to working on this project to protect wetland habitat. In New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, the protection of wetlands is a unique challenge because much of our land is privately owned. It is essential that we work with individual landowners as they play a vital role in the management of wetland habitats,” said Jodie Hambrook, Ducks Unlimited.
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, at http://www.ec.gc.ca/ecoaction.
