News Release

SAINT ANDREWS (GNB) – The provincial government is providing $299,000 through the Environmental Trust Fund for 14 projects in the province’s southwest region in 2018-19.

“The Environmental Trust Fund is an important mechanism for New Brunswick community groups, organizations, municipalities and institutions to implement projects that produce tangible, measurable benefits to the environment,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister John Ames. “Your government is providing the necessary support for local projects that contribute to job creation and responsible and sustainable economic growth, all while making New Brunswick the best place to raise a family.”

Ames spoke on behalf of Environment and Local Government Minister Andrew Harvey during the World Oceans Day celebration at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre. The centre is receiving $50,000 for its debris reduction program.

“This funding will help us study the issue of marine debris in the Bay of Fundy and inspire environmental stewardship through community engagement,” said Jamey Smith, the centre’s executive director. “It is our vision to deliver the highest-quality marine research, education and outreach programs to support our community, and the Debris Free Fundy Program is a great example of how we are advancing this vision.”

Other projects in the region receiving funding include those conducted by the St. Croix Estuary Project, the Southwest New Brunswick Service Commission, the Fundy Regional Service Commission, the Town of Saint Andrews, the Atlantic Salmon Federation, Eastern Charlotte Waterways, the Chamcook Watershed Landowners’ Association, Lake George Habitat Preservation and Scouts Canada.

The 2018-19 Environmental Trust Fund priority action areas are:

• protecting the environment;

• increasing environmental awareness;

• managing waste;

• addressing climate change; and

• building sustainable communities.

The Environmental Trust Fund is investing about $8.4 million in environmental projects in 2018-19. This includes 227 community-based environmental initiatives worth more than $6.6 million, as well as almost $1.8 million in provincewide projects.

More information, including the list of approved projects and initiatives, is available on the Department of Environment and Local Government’s website.