Marking World Environment Day, Canada invests up to $55 million in 58 local climate action projects
Ontario: This week, Canadians from coast to coast to coast are marking Canadian Environment Week, culminating in virtual events on June 5, World Environment Day. It is our opportunity to appreciate our abundant natural environment and to reflect on the positive actions we can take to leave a cleaner, healthier planet for generations to come. Protecting our natural environment and taking action to fight climate change will bolster our economic recovery from COVID-19 and create good quality middle class jobs for Canadians in industries like energy efficiency, clean technology, and STEM.
That is why today, the Minister of Middle-Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance, the Honourable Mona Fortier, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, announced the Government of Canada will invest up to $54.9 million in 58 community-based climate action initiatives from across Canada. These projects, funded by the Climate Action and Awareness Fund, will build capacity and awareness for local action on climate change. Each community focused project will support Canada’s climate goals, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Among the recipients from today’s announcement, are Colleges and Institutes Canada, which will receive $5.3 million to help colleges and universities across the country reduce emissions by implementing climate plans on campus and sharing best practices for green buildings.
Among post-secondary institutions receiving funding is Ryerson University, which will receive $1.7 million to engage young Canadians on post secondary campuses and in communities to find local solutions to reach net-zero by 2050. Lakehead University will receive $135,000 to help prepare Canadian youth, particularly young adults in Northwestern Ontario, for leadership roles in climate action and in environmental careers. The Governing Council of the University of Toronto will receive $6 million to support climate action by Canada’s health care community to encourage the move toward a sustainable system.
Local projects, like those announced today, will help Canada achieve its goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050, while creating good middle class jobs.