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Government of Canada Invests in Projects to Restore and Protect the St. Lawrence River and its estuary, the Saguenay River Fjord
SAGUENAY, Que. – August 31, 2009 – The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of State (Agriculture), on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister, Jim Prentice, today announced $512,000 in funding under the St. Lawrence Plan Community Interaction Program for eight Quebec organizations.
These eight projects are slated for various areas across Quebec, including the Saguenay, Gaspé, Magdalen Islands, and Montréal regions. “The project objectives include enhancing and preserving various natural sites, protecting animal breeding grounds, restoring damaged shorelines, and sustaining the economic development of certain fishing activities, all concrete examples of sustainable development,” declared Minister Prentice.
“I am especially pleased to see the level of enthusiasm in communities along the St. Lawrence River for the protection of our natural heritage,” commented Minister Blackburn. “Local initiatives provide a shining example of the willingness of the area’s residents and more specifically riverside communities to get directly involved in in helping protect, conserve and enhance the St. Lawrence River. This is why the Government of Canada provides financial support for these community efforts.”
The Community Interaction Program is part of the St. Lawrence Plan. The program provides technical and financial support for projects undertaken by riverside communities to protect and conserve the St. Lawrence River and its estuary, the Saguenay River Fjord. The program is funded by the Canadian and Quebec governments. Additional project funding may also be provided by local organizations, job creation programs, and voluntary contributions.
The St. Lawrence Plan, which is in its fourth phase, will continue until the end of March 2010. The Plan’s main objectives are the protection, conservation, and enhancement of the St. Lawrence River.
Additional information can be found on the St. Lawrence Plan Web site: www.planstlaurent.qc.ca.
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For more information, please contact:
Frédéric Baril |
Environment Canada Media Relations |
(Également offert en français)
Date modified: 2009/10/16 – Important Notices
