The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault, today announced that the department is now accepting applications for the Environmental Damages Fund (EDF). More than $8.3 million is available to help eligible recipients across the country carry out projects that improve Canada’s natural environment.
“With this fund, we are taking funding from the bad environmental actors and supporting the good actors who are helping to restore the environment and conserve wildlife,” said Guilbeault. “Supporting such projects using court-ordered penalties paid by those who violate Canada’s environmental laws makes intuitive sense. I look forward to seeing the good work that will result from Environmental Damages Fund projects across the country.”
Funding distribution is based on the geographic region in which environmental convictions have resulted in fines and penalties being directed to the EDF:
- British Columbia: $1,181,079
- Alberta or British Columbia: $1,925,104
- Alberta: $1,964,328
- Manitoba: $76,100
- Nunavut: $219,051
- Ontario: $785,436
- Quebec: $1,950,302
- Newfoundland and Labrador: $165,159
- New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador: $44,874
To be eligible for funding, projects must have measurable outcomes that clearly align with one of four project categories: restoration, environmental quality improvement, research and development, or education and awareness. Non-governmental organizations; universities and academic institutions; Indigenous organizations; and provincial, territorial, and municipal governments can apply for funding.
Applications will be accepted through the Grants and Contributions Enterprise Management System until April 20, 2022.
