Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Jonathan Wilkinson, announced the creation of the new Climate Action and Awareness Fund, which will invest $206 million in projects that will help reduce emissions across the country. The fund will strengthen Canada’s capacity to take climate action by empowering youth and communities and boosting climate science and research.
“The smoke-filled air caused by devastating wildfires on the west coast is yet another example of the effects of a changing climate. As we look to our economic recovery, the Government of Canada is focused on creating good jobs and making life more affordable for Canadians, while fighting climate change,” said Wilkinson.
“The new Climate Action and Awareness Fund will create jobs for Canadians in science and technology, academia, and at the grassroots community level,” he added. “Our Government is proud to support these groups who are leading tangible action on climate change in their communities as we work as a country to exceed our Paris Agreement target and build a net zero economy by 2050.”
The Minister also launched a request for proposals for community-based climate action projects. Up to $50 million over five years will be allocated to this priority area. The remaining funding will go toward three additional priorities under the Climate Action and Awareness Fund:
- increasing climate youth awareness, engagement and action;
- advancing climate science and technology; and
- supporting academia and think tank organizations to better understand Canada’s transition to net zero greenhouse gas emissions.
The new fund was created with contributions from the existing Climate Action Fund and a significant investment from the Environmental Damages Fund, which collects fines from polluters who break Canada’s environmental laws. The Environmental Damages Fund ensures that environmental good follows our enforcement measures, by investing in projects that focus on environmental restoration, environmental quality improvement, research and development, and education and awareness.
Requests for proposals for climate science and technology and supporting academia and think tanks will open in the coming months. Applicants must be non-profit non-governmental organizations, Indigenous organizations, and/or universities and academic institutions. However, applicants are encouraged to partner with other organizations, including provincial, territorial and municipal governments.
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