May 3, 2019 - Sherbrooke, Quebec
Canadians love nature. That is why the Government of Canada has committed to doubling the amount of nature protected in Canada's lands and oceans. By investing in conservation and in the communities dedicated to protecting wildlife habitats, the federal government is making sure we are supporting biodiversity and working to keep nature healthy and thriving.
Today, on behalf of Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Marie Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Compton-Stanstead, announced that the Government of Canada is investing $114,600 over three years toward the work of Nature Eastern Townships. This investment, funded through Environment and Climate Change Canada's Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP), provides funding to two projects that protect species at risk.
One project, near Stoke Mountains in Estrie, Quebec, is implementing beneficial management practices for the Spring Salamander, listed as a Threatened Species under the Species at Risk Act. The other project takes place near Mount Megantic, Quebec, and is assisting in the conservation of three Endangered bat species: the Northern Myotis, Little Brown Myotis and Tri-colored bats. Both projects are engaging volunteer citizen scientists to document sightings and create inventories of the Spring Salamander and bats. Information collected by these projects will be used to identify priority sites for habitat conservation and protection.
Across our country, a broad range of conservation work is helping Canada meet its 2020 conservation targets, advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, protect and recover species at risk, and improve biodiversity for all.
In order to help build awareness about Canada's Climate Action Plan, Minister Bibeau also announced a new environmental guide Let's Talk Environment and citizens forums that will take place on May 21, 22, and 23. This simple guide contains practical advice and information that helps Canadians live cleaner, greener lives.
"Nature Eastern Townships is a great example of how organizations big and small can make a huge difference in conservation efforts. The Government of Canada will continue to support effective and practical projects led by groups across the country. By working closely with communities and Canadians, we can help conserve our species and ensure their survival for generations to come."
- Catherine McKenna, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change
"The environment is at the heart of our government's priorities. By giving a hand to organizations, we are directly helping conservation efforts for species at risk in our region and putting our environmental plan into action."
- Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Compton-Stanstead
"We are very happy to have continued support from the federal government over the next two years to continue our conservation projects around Mount Megantic and Stoke Mountains. The funds received will allow us to be more effective in our actions to protect the habitat for three bat species and the Spring Salamander, and serve as leverage to further increase the positive impact of our work."
- Caroline Cloutier, President, Nature Eastern Townships
Quick facts
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The Government of Canada is committed to doubling the amount of nature protected in Canada's lands and oceans.
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As part of Budget 2018's historic investment in nature, the Government of Canada is investing $1.3 billion over five years to protect Canada's nature, parks and protected areas so that Canadians continue to hike in our majestic forests and swim in our beautiful lakes, rivers and streams.
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Between its inception in 2000 and March 2018, the HSP has supported over 3,000 projects by providing more than $201 million in funding, which is matched by at least 1:1 by recipients.
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These projects are two of 49 new and 81 ongoing terrestrial projects that received contribution funding in 2018-19 under the HSP. The 2019-20 HSP projects will be announced in the coming months.
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HSP has supported the legal protection of over 205,000 hectares of land between 2000 and March 2019.
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The three citizen forums, in the Sherbrooke region, to discuss environmental issues will take place on:
- May 21 at 5:00 p.m. at College Servite, 470 Main St., Ayer's Cliff, Quebec
- May 22 at 5:00 p.m. at East Angus Gold Club, 171 Angus Rd., East Angus, Quebec
- May 23 at 5:00 p.m. at University of Sherbrooke, 2500 University Blvd., Sherbrooke, Quebec
