May 22, 2015 – Simcoe, Ontario – 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, and the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, announced new funding for several projects under the Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP) for Species at Risk.
The following projects will be improved through volunteer activities to restore habitat, the recovery of species, and conserve biodiversity:
- $93,000 for the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority to complete a habitat restoration and conduct outreach to increase habitats for migratory bird species, such as the Field Sparrow, American Kestrel and Grasshopper Sparrow
- $56,000 for Bird Studies Canada to address the threats to six migratory bird species
- $134,000 to the Haldimand Stewardship Council to complete a one-year restoration and to prevent a number of migratory bird species from becoming a conservation concern by increasing forest habitat in Haldimand County and the Niagara Peninsula
- $20,010 for the Long Point Region Conservation Authority to support a project to restore the habitat of Brook Trout
Programs like the HSP are an important part of the Government of Canada’s National Conservation Plan to conserve and restore our lands and waters, and connect Canadian families to our natural spaces.
The National Conservation Plan, announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in May 2014, includes $252 million over five years to support existing and new funding initiatives. The National Conservation Plan includes a focus on supporting voluntary actions to restore and conserve species, as well as their habitats.
“The Habitat Stewardship Program is an important part of our Government’s National Conservation Plan and is helping to restore Canada’s ecosystems and connect Canadians to nature. The projects announced today will support the protection of species of risk and the restoration of habitat that sustains biodiversity.”
– The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council
“Our Government is committed to protecting Canada’s rich biodiversity through programs, like the Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk. Each and every project, including the ones highlighted today, provides incentives for a range of organizations, individuals, and communities to protect species at risk and conserve the habitat they rely on.”
– The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works and Government Services
More information on the Species at Risk Act and the Habitat Stewardship Program is available online.
Canadians can also learn more about the National Conservation Plan.
Ted Laking
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Media Relations
Environment Canada
819-934-8008
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