The Government of Canada is investing $5.1 million to support 46 new projects to improve the Great Lakes, which are essential to the health and well-being of millions of Canadians.
This investment through the Great Lakes Protection Initiative in 2020–21 will support projects that address key priorities such as restoring areas of concern, preventing toxic and nuisance algae, reducing releases of harmful chemicals, engaging Indigenous peoples, and increasing public engagement through science.
“Protecting and restoring our Great Lakes require collaboration. The leadership of our many partners and stakeholders on these innovative projects will have a significant impact in improving water quality for millions of Canadians, now and into the future,” said Karina Gould, Minister of International Development.
“This work matters to the people who live, work, and play on the shores of the Great Lakes, including my family and the community of Burlington. Our water is our life, and it is up to us to protect it for generations to come. We are proud, as the Government of Canada, to support this important work,” she added.
Karina Gould, Minister of International Development, makes the announcement for the Great Lakes Protection Initiative at the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Gould was joined at the announcement by Darlene Bennett-Howes, director of business development and community engagement at Royal Botanical Gardens. Their project will receive $53,000 in funding to help restore fish habitat and address algae issues in the Hamilton Harbour Area of Concern as well as examine ways to better protect the coastal wetland habitat.
Support from the Great Lakes Protection Initiative has provided support for Royal Botanical Gardens to implement Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement objectives. Specifically, funding has helped implement important restoration projects for the diverse habitats of Cootes Paradise and Grindstone Marsh.
In the coming weeks, the federal government will be launching consultations on the creation of the new Canada Water Agency, to work with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities, local authorities, and scientists to keep our water safe, clean, and well managed.
More than 40 million people live in the Great Lakes Basin. One in four Canadians draw their drinking water directly from the Great Lakes.
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