Government of Canada Invests in Community Environmental Projects in Regina and Central Saskatchewan
REGINA, Sask. — August 11, 2010 — Andrew Scheer, Member of Parliament for Regina-Qu’Appelle, on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Jim Prentice, today announced funding from the EcoAction Community Funding Program for three new environmental projects in Regina and central Saskatchewan. In total, $52,826 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, Canada has demonstrated great leadership,” said MP Scheer. “In Regina, our government, in partnership with the Wascana and Upper Qu’Appelle Watersheds Association Taking Responsibility (WUQWATR), is making a significant contribution to biodiversity by showing Canadians how they can take action to improve local water quality and become better stewards of our environment.”
“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.”
The WUQWATR Watershed Awareness project is one of three Regina-area projects receiving EcoAction funding during this round. It will develop awareness of water quality and beneficial management practices within rural and urban communities of the Wascana and Upper Qu’Appelle watersheds. Activities will include hazardous waste collection events, abandoned water well decommissioning and education with the goal of promoting overall watershed protection.
“WUQWATR is pleased to be the recipient of this funding,” said Fred Clipsham, board chair and Regina councillor. “Our organization and our watershed protection plan were developed by local people representing local communities. Financial support from the EcoAction program will enable us as a community agency to raise the public awareness of our local watersheds and to promote ways that people can protect and improve the quality of our water resource.”
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 three 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 the following address: http://www.ec.gc.ca/ecoaction.
Related documents:
Environment Canada’s EcoAction Community Funding Program
[Backgrounder – 2010-08-11]
Contributions under the EcoAction community funding program in Regina and central Saskatchewan in 2010-2011
[Backgrounder – 2010-08-11]