News Release

Government of Canada Invests $2.8 Million in Community Environmental Projects

OTTAWA, Ontario, July 10, 2006 - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment, today announced funding for 101 environmental projects from the EcoAction Community Funding Program in communities across Canada. In total, over $2.8 million will be dedicated to local action aimed at reducing pollution, improving air and water quality, and protecting wildlife and natural habitat.

"Canadians are model environmental citizens and want to preserve and protect their environment," said the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment. "This government wants to ensure Canadians across the country have the opportunity to become directly involved in taking concrete action in their communities, whether it is reintroducing birds to Pacific islands, keeping invasive plants away from Saskatchewan, cleaning beaches in Newfoundland or installing solar panels in Nova Scotia. Through EcoAction, Canadians can make a difference - to the benefit of both their community and the environment."

The EcoAction Community Funding Program is an Environment Canada initiative that supports projects that protect, rehabilitate or enhance the natural environment, and builds the capacity of communities and individuals in support of a more sustainable Canada. The 101 projects being 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 habitat and species at risk at the local community level.

Canadian local organizations are encouraged to become involved in EcoAction projects in their community. The next submission deadline for proposals to the EcoAction program is October 1, 2006.

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