Government of Canada makes a significant Coastal Restoration Fund investment in Canada's Arctic through the Oceans Protection Plan

INUVIK, NT, May 23, 2018 /CNW/ - The protection and restoration of the environment is a top priority of the Government of Canada, which is providing resources through the Oceans Protection Plan that will make our oceans and coasts safer, cleaner and healthier for the benefit of all Canadians and future generations.

Mr. Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced today that Aurora College will receive $410,000 over 5 years for research to help identify and restore key areas of coastal ecosystems in northern Canada.

In May 2017, the Government of Canada announced the $75 million Coastal Restoration Fund to help rehabilitate some of our most vulnerable coastline and protect marine life and ecosystems. The Coastal Restoration Fund supports projects that contribute to coastal restoration on all of Canada's coasts. Preference is given to projects that are multiyear and involve a broad number of partners that include Indigenous groups.

The Coastal Restoration Fund is part of the $1.5-billion Oceans Protection Plan ─ the largest investment ever made to protect Canada's coasts and waterways. In collaboration with Indigenous peoples, local stakeholders and coastal communities, the Government of Canada is creating a world-leading marine safety system that provides economic opportunities for Canadians today, while protecting our coasts and waterways for generations to come.

Quotes

"Our Government is committed to protecting our coasts – that's why we announced the Oceans Protection Plan to help keep our oceans safe, clean, and able to support local communities. The $75 million Coastal Restoration Fund is an opportunity for local groups to address threats to our ocean and coastal areas. I am pleased that our collaboration with this academic institution will promote healthy, thriving ecosystems in Canada's Arctic for future generations."

- The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

"It's important to focus on the health of the Arctic environment now, so that Canada can assess changes and risks, and put plans in place to protect its long-term future. This funding will help provide researchers with vital information on the current state of our cherished Arctic ecosystems, and also provide opportunities to develop strategies to mitigate future risks."

- Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament, NWT

Quick Facts

• Aurora College's Aurora Research Institute in the Northwest Territories will receive $410,000 to examine the effects of ground slumping due to permafrost thaw on the nearshore waters of the Beaufort Sea coast near Tuktoyaktuk.
• Funding will also be used to develop restoration plans to mitigate these effects using native plant species.
• Local Indigenous knowledge will be used to identify study sites that are close to locally significant fishing locations.
• Researchers will work closely with residents of Tuktoyaktuk; the Tuktoyaktuk Hunters and Trappers Committee will play a pivotal role in designing the study.

Related Products

• Backgrounder – Coastal Restoration Fund

Associated Links

• Protecting our Coasts - Oceans Protection Plan
• Let's Talk – Oceans Protection Plan

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SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans Central & Arctic Region