Government of Canada launches new fund to help reduce the impacts of climate change and better protect Canadians against natural disasters
News release
$2 billion available for infrastructure projects through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund
Calgary, Alberta, May 17, 2018—Investing in mitigation and adaptation infrastructure projects to strengthen communities against the effects of climate change is critical to protecting the lives and livelihoods of Canadians, promoting economic growth and strengthening the middle class.
Today, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, launched the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF), a 10-year national program that will invest $2 billion in projects that help communities better withstand natural hazards such as floods, wildfires, seismic events and droughts.
DMAF will support large-scale infrastructure projects with a minimum cost of $20 million like diversion channels, wetland restorations, wildfire barriers and setback levees.
These projects will safeguard public health and safety, protect people’s homes, make sure access to essential services is not interrupted, and help communities protect their residents’ quality of life.
Applicants wishing to be considered for funding under the program will have until July 31, 2018, to submit an Expression of Interest to Infrastructure Canada. Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to,
provinces and territories; municipal and regional governments; Canadian public or not-for-profit post-secondary institutions that partner with a Canadian municipality; and band councils and First Nation, Inuit or Métis governments.
For the full eligibility list and other program details, visit the Infrastructure Canada website.
Quotes
“Now more than ever, communities across Canada need to take measures to reduce the potential impacts of natural disasters related to climate change. Here in Alberta and across the country, we are experiencing unprecedented extreme weather and feeling its great personal, social and economic effects. Investing today to reduce these impacts will save future recovery costs and prevent critical infrastructure failures while helping Canada transition to a more resilient sustainable economy. This program is about coming together to protect our most precious assets: our people, homes, businesses and the communities we are proud to call home.”
Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
Quick facts
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Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
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The Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund will support large-scale disaster mitigation projects with a minimum eligible cost of $20 million that help ensure continuous essential services and reduce the potential impacts of severe weather and other natural hazards.
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Contacts
Brook Simpson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-219-0149
Brook.Simpson@canada.ca
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: infc.media.infc@canada.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada
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