The Government of Canada to conserve working agricultural lands in Manitoba

WINNIPEG, March 7, 2019 /CNW/ - Nature is an important part of our Canadian identity. That's why the Government of Canada is doubling the amount of protected nature in Canada's lands and oceans.

Today, the Member of Parliament for Winnipeg Centre, Robert-Falcon Ouellette, announced that the Government of Canada is working with the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation to protect Manitoba's priority habitats. This investment of $306,000 will help conserve 971 hectares of natural habitats on working agricultural lands. By protecting wetlands at high risk of loss, this will provide biodiversity, flood control, water quality, and climate change adaptation benefits for agricultural lands in Manitoba. These new protected areas will also include grasslands and other habitats that are important for up to 16 species at risk, including the Loggerhead Shrike, the Sprague's Pipit, the Ferruginous Hawk, and the Chestnut-collared Longspur.

By working together, we can build strong and healthy communities and protect our nature and the wildlife that depends on it.

Quotes

"Canada is committed to doubling the amount of nature protected on land and in our oceans. Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation's work to protect habitat on working agricultural land is an important example of work that will help protect our environment and grow our economy."
– Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

"Manitoba is pleased to be a part of this important effort that will conserve important habitat and allow the unique flora and fauna found there to have every opportunity to thrive and remain as a legacy for all Manitobans to enjoy for years to come."
– Rochelle Squires, Manitoba Minister of Sustainable Development

Quick facts

• Funding for this significant environmental initiative was provided through the Canada Nature Fund, a $500 million investment to support the efforts of partners whose commitment is critical to achieving success in nature conservation.
• Canada Nature Fund contributions are matched by philanthropic foundations, corporations, not-for-profits, provinces, territories, and other partners, raising a total of $1 billion for conservation action.
• The new $500-million Canada Nature Fund will be matched by partners who will contribute an additional $500 million to raise at least $1 billion towards the conservation of Canada's nature.
• The Canada Nature Fund supports protection of Canada's ecosystems, landscapes, biodiversity, and species at risk.
• The Government of Canada is committed to doubling the amount of protected nature in our lands and waters, across Canada.
• This project is part of a broad range of conservation work occurring across the country, which will help Canada meet its 2020 conservation targets.
• This project is supported by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the State of Wisconsin, and the Province of Manitoba, through the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation.

Associated links

• Natural Heritage Conservation Program news release
• Pathway to Target 1 Challenge call for proposals
• Canada's Nature Legacy: it's in our nature to protect

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SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada