The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, yesterday announced $1.06 million in funding over three years for 10 projects under the Great Lakes Protection Initiative (GLPI), the Government of Canada informs.
The funding is part of the additional investment of $44.84 million for the Great Lakes Protection Initiative announced in Budget 2017.
Projects funded this year include addressing the toxic algae blooms in Lake Erie, blooms that are spreading faster and further as a result of climate change. Another project will create and restore aquatic habitat in the bays and coastal wetlands of Toronto’s Tommy Thompson Park.
Since 2015, the Government of Canada has contributed over $18 million to support 123 conservation and restoration projects led by organizations and communities in the Great Lakes Basin.
Minster McKenna also participated in a roundtable discussion yesterday with Great Lakes advocates representing a diverse range of perspectives. The discussion centred on Great Lakes priorities, challenges and opportunities.