February 2, 2015 – Gatineau, Quebec – Environment Canada
Today, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, marked the accomplishments achieved to date under the National Conservation Plan.
Since Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the National Conservation Plan in May 2014, the Government of Canada has made substantial progress on developing and coordinating stewardship efforts to conserve and restore lands and waters across the country.
The National Conservation Plan includes $252 million over five years to support existing and new funding initiatives, such as the National Wetland Conservation Fund, and the expanded Habitat Stewardship Program and Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk. Several new projects are being launched this year that will conserve and restore natural areas across the country, including habitat for species at risk. Additionally, new funding will focus, for the first time, on projects addressing other priority species beyond the protection and recovery of species at risk to prevent them from becoming a conservation concern.
The Government of Canada has expanded, strengthened, and renewed its national and international partnerships to conserve the Gulf of Maine ecosystem. We have also selected ten National Wildlife Areas where investments will be made to improve public access to infrastructure, create new trails, and supporting low-impact uses.
In addition, our National Conservation Plan is providing support to Earth Rangers so that more kids will learn about wildlife and what they can do to help conserve it.
For more information on the National Conservation Plan, please visit the National Conservation Plan.
Ted Laking
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Media Relations
Environment Canada
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