{"id":10245,"date":"2023-06-09T15:07:08","date_gmt":"2023-06-09T19:07:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.parc-mille-iles.qc.ca\/?post_type=communiques&p=10245"},"modified":"2024-06-21T15:19:55","modified_gmt":"2024-06-21T19:19:55","slug":"government-of-canada-invests-to-protect-species-at-risk-in-the-greater-montreal-area","status":"publish","type":"communiques","link":"https:\/\/www.parc-mille-iles.qc.ca\/en\/press-releases\/government-of-canada-invests-to-protect-species-at-risk-in-the-greater-montreal-area\/","title":{"rendered":"Government of Canada invests to protect species at risk in the Greater Montreal area"},"content":{"rendered":"

June 9, 2023 – Laval, Quebec<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

The world is facing an unprecedented biodiversity crisis. Canada is no exception. Species essential to the health and well-being of Canadians and to the economy are in decline. It is vital that we protect them and their habitats. Collaboration with the provinces, territories, aboriginal peoples and other partners is the key to reversing the situation and restoring biodiversity in Canada.<\/p>\r\n

Today, to conclude Environment Week, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, accompanied by Yves Robillard, Member of Parliament for Marc-Aur\u00e8le-Fortin, announced $400,000 in funding for a four-year project led by \u00c9co-Nature in the greater Montreal area. The project is aimed at protecting and restoring the habitats needed by a dozen species at risk, including the Snapping Turtle, Least Bittern and American Water-willow.<\/p>\r\n

The project, which also aims to mitigate the threats affecting the species and their habitats, will take place at diversified, interconnected sites near the Rivi\u00e8re-des-Mille-\u00celes park. It also includes awareness-raising activities focused on the adoption of practices beneficial to habitats and species.<\/p>\r\n

The Government of Canada is firmly committed to taking concrete action to protect biodiversity and contribute to the global goals set at COP15. With the adoption of the Kunming Global Biodiversity Framework in Montreal, our country is striving to preserve nature on a global scale, halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030, and put natural environments on a path to recovery by 2050.<\/p>\r\n

Canadian Environment Week is a reminder that we must work together to reduce plastic waste and stop the pollution it causes. The Government of Canada is making an important contribution to the goal of a future free of plastic waste, including taking action throughout the plastics life cycle to prevent pollution and improve the management of these materials at the end of their life cycle. Canada will invite the world to Ottawa for the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution in April 2024.<\/p>\r\n

As the Government of Canada celebrates Aboriginal History Month, this is a particularly opportune time to recognize the invaluable contribution of Aboriginal peoples, who are indispensable collaborators in combating pollution, preserving biodiversity and overcoming the climate change crisis.<\/p>\r\n

Quotes<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

“The Government of Canada is committed to halting and reversing the loss of nature by 2030, and achieving full recovery of natural environments by 2050. That’s why we support initiatives to protect species at risk across the country. Nature plays an essential role in our lives, and the \u00c9co-Nature project will protect and restore habitats in urban areas. The benefits will be significant not only for flora and fauna, but also for the community.” (Translation)<\/p>\r\n

– The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change<\/p>\r\n

“We welcome the renewal of this partnership, which once again highlights \u00c9co-Nature’s leading role in protecting local biodiversity. Thanks to this new investment, we’ll be able to forge even closer ties with the community, which is already mobilized for the cause. Our team will also be able to pursue its mission to help different groups of species in the region, such as amphibians, reptiles, fish and birds.” (Translation)<\/p>\r\n

– Christine M\u00e9tayer, General Manager, \u00c9co-Nature | Parc de la Rivi\u00e8re-des-Mille-\u00celes<\/p>\r\n

“As the Member of Parliament for Marc-Aur\u00e8le-Fortin, I am delighted to see this investment by the Government of Canada in the protection of species at risk in Quebec. This funding demonstrates our local commitment to preserving our precious biodiversity. The \u00c9co-Nature project will strengthen our ties with the community, which is already mobilized for the cause. By working together, we can preserve our urban habitats and ensure the survival of the various species of amphibians, reptiles, fish and birds that are so important to our region.” (Translation)<\/p>\r\n

– Yves Robillard, Member of Parliament for Marc-Aur\u00e8le-Fortin, Qu\u00e9bec<\/p>\r\n

“The Mille \u00celes River is a jewel that we absolutely must protect. Today’s announcement is another fine demonstration of this. It allows us to respect, observe and visit a veritable oasis of biodiversity, home to two-thirds of the world’s vertebrate fauna, just a stone’s throw from the urban heart of Quebec. It’s an incredible opportunity that we must continue to cherish, both for ourselves and for future generations. So it’s only natural for me to thank Minister Steven Guilbeault and the Government of Canada for their financial support, as well as the dedicated, even hard work of all the enthusiasts who work at \u00c9co-Nature.” (Translation)<\/p>\r\n

– St\u00e9phane Boyer, Mayor of Laval<\/p>\r\n

“I am delighted with the support given to \u00c9co-Nature, an essential organization in the region. The natural environments of the Rivi\u00e8re des Mille \u00celes generate indispensable ecosystem services, and by protecting these ecosystems, we will protect the quality of life of the local communities living near the river. In Rosem\u00e8re, protecting the environment is part of our DNA, and we’re proud to have supported \u00c9co-Nature’s mission for over 20 years.” (Translation)<\/p>\r\n

– Eric Westram, Mayor of Rosem\u00e8re and Prefect of the Th\u00e9r\u00e8se-De Blainville RCM<\/p>\r\n

Quick facts<\/strong><\/p>\r\n