Government of Canada Invests in Community Environmental Projects in Manitoba

October 15, 2010

WINNIPEG, Man. - The Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State for Democratic Reform and Member of Parliament for Charleswood - St. James - Assiniboia, on behalf of Canada's Environment Minister, the Honourable Jim Prentice, today announced funding from the EcoAction Community Funding Program for four new environmental projects in Manitoba. In total, $212,893 in federal funding will support local action to reduce pollution, improve air and water quality, and protect wildlife and natural habitat.

"As part of the International Year of Biodiversity, the Government of Canada is helping communities and their citizens enjoy cleaner air, water and land," said Minister Fletcher. "The EcoAction Community Funding program is a concrete example of how we are supporting projects under this program. We believe on the ground activities like these can and will make a difference."

"This government is committed to addressing the environmental priorities of Canadians," said Minister Prentice. "We are proud to support community groups across the country willing to take concrete action through on-the-ground environmental projects that will achieve a more sustainable Canada. Your actions, large or small, will help to protect the abundance and variety of life that is part of our natural heritage."

Of the four projects announced today, the Green Action Centre's Climate Friendly School Travel Planning will work with Manitoba school divisions to deliver the training and support needed to implement greener travel plans for students travelling to and from school.

"A key purpose of the Climate Friendly School Travel Planning Project is to expand opportunities for schoolchildren to walk and bike to school, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles," said Randall McQuaker, executive director of the Green Action Centre in Winnipeg. "Through the EcoAction funding for this project, the Green Action Centre will be able to provide schools with the volunteer training and education that will ultimately improve air quality and lessen traffic congestion around schools, and improve health and fitness for kids."

The EcoAction Community Funding Program is a Government of Canada initiative that supports projects that rehabilitate, protect or enhance the natural environment, and builds the capacity of communities and individuals in support of a more sustainable Canada. The four projects announced today will assist locally-based, non-profit organizations in initiating actions that result in cleaner air, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, cleaner water, and the protection of nature at the local community level.
                             
More information about the EcoAction Community Funding Program is available on Environment Canada's website at http://www.ec.gc.ca/ecoaction.