April 14, 2014 - North Vancouver, British Columbia
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and Andrew Saxton, MP for North Vancouver and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, today announced that the Government of Canada will provide funding of up to $15,000 to the BC Conservation Foundation for a project to restore the Lynn Creek estuary.
This was the first project announced under the second round of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program. $5.5 million for 128 projects to restore recreational fisheries habitat through Round II have been approved, including up to $1.5 million in 32 projects in British Columbia alone.
The Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program was announced in Economic Action Plan 2013 to support fisheries habitat restoration projects led by recreational fishing and angling groups, as well as conservation organizations. Given its early success and high demand, Economic Action Plan 2014 increased the funding available through the program by $15 million, for a total investment of $25 million.
“Our Government is committed to supporting the individuals and organizations who are working along the shores of lakes, rivers and streams across this country to protect and restore fishing habitats for future generations. Recreational fishing is an important economic activity which attracts thousands of visitors to Canada and contributes billions of dollars to our economy every year. The projects funded by the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program will benefit Canadian communities for years to come.”
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
“This program brings together community partners and pools their resources to support the common goal of conserving and protecting Canada’s recreational fisheries. North Vancouver’s BC Conservation Foundation, like many groups across the country, has done incredible work and implemented exciting projects that showcase the multiplying power of partnerships in restoring healthy fisheries habitat for all Canadians. I’m proud to be a part of a government committed to working with its citizens for the betterment of our natural environment.”
Andrew Saxton, MP for North Vancouver and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance
Photo caption: The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and Andrew Saxton, MP for North Vancouver, visited the MacKay Creek site in North Vancouver that benefited from Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program funding.
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Frank Stanek
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
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