Today, Wade Grant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature, announced an investment of over $2.3 million in 14 partner-led projects to protect and restore the Wolastoq/Saint John River.
The Wolastoq/Saint John River is more than water. For the Wolastoqiyik people, the Wolastoq (or "Beautiful and Bountiful River") is part of their identity, language and culture. The river also supports critical economic sectors like hydroelectricity, agriculture, forestry, food manufacturing, and tourism. Moreover, its watershed is home to more than half of New Brunswick residents.
These projects are funded through the Wolastoq/Saint John River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative, a part of the strengthened Freshwater Action Plan. The investment targets key priorities, including excess nutrient reduction, science and knowledge advancement, and support for Indigenous-led efforts to understand and address water quality issues.
Among the recipients:
- Maliseet Nation Conservation Council (MNCC) is receiving $195,000 over 2 years to train Wolastoqey community members to conduct water quality monitoring and analysis throughout the watershed, and to address the impacts of excess nutrients, harmful algal blooms, and pollutants on river health.
- Belleisle Watershed Coalition Inc. is receiving nearly $133,000 over 3 years to assess per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as "forever chemicals", in the lower Wolastoq/Saint John River.
- Nature New Brunswick is receiving $100,000 over 3 years to engage local farmers and landowners in adopting farming practices that will reduce nutrient inputs and improve the health of the the Wolastoq/Saint John River.
The Canada Water Agency (CWA) is committed to achieving positive and measurable impacts in the Wolastoq/Saint John River watershed. Investments through the Freshwater Action Plan-combined with Indigenous leadership, knowledge, and community involvement-will help ensure the protection of this vital resource for years to come.
