News Release

Canada 's New Government Announces $4.5 Million to Protect Biological Diversity 

Montreal, May 22, 2007 -   The Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment, joined by the Honourable Michael Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, today announced that the Government of Canada will contribute $4.5 million to theHabitat Stewardship Program to protect species at risk and the habitat where they live. The Ministers made their announcement in the company of the Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks, Line Beauchamp, the Mayor of Montreal Gérald Tremblay and international dignitaries who were at the Montreal Botanical Garden to celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity. 

"The Habitat Stewardship Program is an important conservation program that this government is investing in to protect Canada's biodiversity," said Minister Baird.  "The $4.5 million and over 100 projects that are receiving funding today reinforce our Government's commitment to protecting species at risk.  These represent only part of our annual investment in the Habitat Stewardship Program and I expect to announce more in coming months."

The Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP) is intended to help Canadians protect species at risk and their habitats. The overall goal of the program is to contribute to the recovery of endangered, threatened and other species at risk while also preventing species from becoming a conservation concern.  For the first seven years of operation, the HSP contribution of $61.8M helped protect over 618,000 hectares of species at risk habitat through both long term and temporary measures, improve another 211,000 hectares of habitat, and connect with over 200 partner organizations.

The Government's support for conservation efforts was seen earlier this year through an investment of $225 million to help the Nature Conservancy of Canada and other non-profit, non-government organizations like Ducks Unlimited Canada and members of the Canadian Land Trust Alliance, purchase ecologically sensitive lands to protect biodiversity.

"Canada 's New Government is committed to the long-term conservation of the rich variety of plants and animals that are part of Canada's natural habitat," said Minister Baird.  "Our Government recognizes that biological diversity is vital to the protection of Canada's ecosystems, which provides Canadians with a vibrant, healthy environment."

For further information, please contact:

Eric Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819)997-1441

Media Relations
Environment Canada
(819) 934-8008
1-888-908-8008